Australian spy organisation adds to concerns about TikTok data collection

Australia’s top spy agency has issued a warning for users of a popular social media app, adding to concerns the platform is collecting private information.

Australia’s top spy agency has added to growing concerns about a popular social media app, and its collection of users’ personal data.

State governments across the nation are issuing TikTok bans on official work devices as concerns about data safety increase worldwide.

The app’s Australian general manager Lee Hunter recently told The Project that users should feel “safe” on TikTok, and claimed China had no way of accessing data – despite the site’s parent company operating out of China.

However, national intelligence organisation Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) recently released advice about the app, warning the general public not to use it on a device that can access other information.

“Do not use it on a phone that can access any official information, for example, any workplace communication (email clients, MS Teams),” the ASD warned in advice shared by the Tasmanian government.

The ASD has warned against having the app on a device with access to data. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tim Pascoe

“If a phone does have TikTok installed, keep the phone away from any sensitive conversations; and remove metadata (such as location information) from photos and videos before uploading them to TikTok.”

The warning comes as Tasmania joins other Aussie states in issuing a TikTok ban in the workplace.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmania state government is working to have the ban in place as soon as practicable.

“The Tasmanian Government is prioritising the protection of its information, people and assets from any compromise and harm,” Premier Rockliff said.

“We will be guided by national intelligence and security agencies on the issue, and continue to monitor national policy settings.”

The app has repeatedly denied claims it gives data to China. Picture: Mario Tama/Getty

The site, which allows people to upload videos up to 3 minutes in length, grew in popularity over the course of pandemic lockdowns, providing those stuck at home with a form of entertainment.

It’s owned by Chinese company “Bytedance,” but it maintains no information is held by the Chinese government because it is an “independent” site.

Tasmania’s decision follows that of NSW, Victoria and the ACT, as well as the federal government.

South Australia has also introduced the ban, which still allows parliamentary staff to have the app on their personal devices.

Australia was the last of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance countries to ban the app, following in the footsteps of the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.