Georgia Governor Brian Kemp banned TikTok, WeChat and Telegram apps from being downloaded on any state-owned cell phones, computers, laptops or statewide IT systems.
Kemp’s directive came one day after the U.S. Senate banned TikTok on any federal devices. State workers in Georgia and federal workers around the country can still download TikTok on their personal devices — for now. The Senate is expected to hold hearings on banning TikTok on personal devices.
“The state of Georgia has a responsibility to prevent any attempt to access and infiltrate its secure data and sensitive information by foreign adversaries such as the CCP,” Kemp said in the order.
Kemp cited national security in his decision.
“The [Chinese Communist Party] poses an ever-present national security threat to the United States and Georgia,” Kemp said on Thursday. “As such, it is our duty to take action to preserve the safety and security of our state against the CCP, entities it controls, and other foreign cyberthreats.”
State agencies can request an exemption to allow law enforcement investigations into criminal activity on the apps and “other legitimate business use,” according to guidance from the Georgia Technology Authority.
Other states and counties have banned TikTok due to the threat of personal data being shared with the Chinese government.
TikTok, a Chinese-owned company, has denied sharing Americans’ personal user data with China.
