Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The potential TikTok ban in the United States has sparked widespread discussion among social media users, following a prolonged dispute between the company and the U.S. government. However, before the U.S. considered banning the app, several other countries had already taken similar steps.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, maintains that it operates independently and does not share user data with the Chinese government. However, skepticism remains high among several nations regarding the platform’s connections to China.
Below is a list of countries that have imposed TikTok bans, as reported by CNBC Indonesia:
1. Albania
In late 2024, Albania banned TikTok for a year due to domestic issues related to violence, not its ties to China. Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed TikTok for a rise in youth violence and bullying.
He announced plans to block TikTok entirely in 2025, stating, “There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania,” sparking outrage among users.
2. Australia
On April 4, 2023, Australia banned TikTok on federal government devices, citing security concerns. The Attorney-General’s Department flagged risks tied to extensive data collection and potential foreign government directives, calling for immediate implementation of the ban.
3. Estonia
In March 2023, Estonia restricted TikTok on state-issued smartphones for public officials, though personal device usage was exempt. Concerns over election manipulation and cybersecurity have prompted ongoing scrutiny within the European Union.
4. United Kingdom
On March 16, 2023, the UK banned TikTok on government devices. Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden cited the move as a “precautionary” step to protect sensitive government data, following recommendations from the National Cyber Security Centre.
5. France
France took a broader approach on March 24, 2023, banning “recreational apps,” including TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram, from government devices. Officials stated that such apps lacked adequate cybersecurity measures to protect administrative data.
6. Netherlands
In March 2023, the Dutch Interior Ministry discouraged using apps from countries with “aggressive cyber programs” on government phones, citing espionage risks. While not explicitly banning TikTok, officials emphasized stricter device security protocols.
7. Norway
Norwegian authorities advised against installing TikTok on government-issued devices, citing risks tied to China and Russia. Employees needing the app for work must use separate devices unconnected to government networks. Major cities like Oslo and Bergen also urged officials to remove TikTok from office devices.
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These bans underscore global concerns over TikTok’s data practices and its ties to the Chinese government. The platform continues to face scrutiny as nations weigh cybersecurity and domestic stability against the app’s immense popularity.
(Raidi/Agung)
