Following NC, Raleigh bans TikTok on city-owned phones and computers

The popular social media app TikTok will be blocked on city of Raleigh-owned computers and cell phones over cybersecurity concerns.

The ban follows similar actions taken by the federal government; other states, including North Carolina; and some cities. Raleigh’s ban starts Feb. 14.

“Cybersecurity experts have identified TikTok and WeChat as high-risk apps because the software lacks sufficient privacy controls and connects to countries which have sponsored or attempted cyber-attacks against the United States,” according to an email sent to city employees Monday.

The short-term video app has exploded in popularity and has more than 1 billion users across the globe.

WeChat, the popular Chinese messaging app, will also be banned from city-owned computers and cell phones. Both apps will be blocked from the city’s internal connection.

The change does not affect guest wifi networks available at city buildings and parks on non-city owned devices.

Like the state, Raleigh’s ban makes exceptions for law enforcement investigations.

North Carolina state government banned the two apps in late January.

Gov. Roy Cooper described TikTok and WeChat as “high-risk applications due to their lack of sufficient privacy controls and connections to countries that sponsor or support cyber-attacks against the United States,” The News & Observer previously reported.