TikTok will be blocked from parliament’s devices and network in the latest ban imposed on the Chinese-owned social media app.
The commissions of the House of Commons and House of Lords have announced they will follow the move taken by the government on official devices, citing the need for cyber security.
A parliament spokesman said that TikTok “will be blocked from all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network”.
Watch live: TikTok CEO questioned by US Congress
“Cyber security is a top priority for parliament, however we do not comment on specific details of our cyber or physical security controls, policies or incidents,” they said.
TikTok can still be used on personal devices that aren’t connected to parliament’s WiFI network.
A similar decision has also been taken in Scotland, with TikTok banned from government phones and other devices.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney added: “Currently there is limited use of TikTok within government and limited need for staff to use the app on work devices.
“This ban will be implemented immediately. It does not extend to personal devices used by staff or the general public.”
The video-sharing app has been under increasing scrutiny over its security and data privacy, with concerns it could be used to promote pro-Beijing views or gather user data – something TikTokstrongly denies.
The EU Commission and more than half of US states and Congress have already introduced a ban on government phones over concerns around potential cyber attacks, with the UK following suit last week.
Beijing reacted angrily to Downing Street’s decision, saying the move is “based on its political motive rather than facts” and will “ultimately harm the UK’s own interests”.
TikTok has said the bans have “been based on fundamental misconceptions and driven by wider geopolitics, in which TikTok, and our millions of users in the UK, play no part”.
