A new social media platform being used by the premier has raised concerns
One of the premier’s social media accounts is causing a fuss with a fellow politician expressing concern over the online presence, but the comments have been laughed off and described as paranoid.
VIC News
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Concerns have been raised over Premier Daniel Andrews being on the newest social media craze TikTok, as other Australian agencies have dumped the platform because of it’s potential ties to the Chinese Government.
Reason MP Fiona Patten has quizzed the government, in the Legislative Council, over his use of the platform and whether there were concerns data tracking may present security issues.
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings laughed the question off as “paranoia”, but also said he would “take advice on the matter” and report back if there were any issues found.
The matter was raised after Federal Coalition MP and chairman of parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee Andrew Hastie has previously warned the app had links to Beijing authorities.
Like most social media, TikTok stores personal information including contact lists, location and can also access microphones and photos.
Mr Andrews has 19,600 followers on the app and has received over 178,000 likes.
Previously he has defended his use of social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter saying they were vital when communicating with everyday Victorians.
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The social media cost to the public purse was revealed in 2019 with documents released revealing since coming to power in 2014, Mr Andrews had billed taxpayers at least $98,000 for marketing firms to create videos he has starred in and then shared on social media.
In a two-year period he also spent at least $284,000 boosting his Facebook posts to push Labor’s message to online audiences.
While the cost of TikTok is unknown, Ms Patten said it was vital to know if there were any risks to the state as a result of the premier being on the new media.