CNN:
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More than half of all US states have partially or completely banned TikTok from government devices, according to a CNN analysis, reflecting a recent wave of pressure from governors and state agencies on the short-form video app.
With at least 100 million users in the US, the escalating backlash from states against TikTok spans Republican and Democratic states and covers every region of the country.
Many states have singled out TikTok for executive action, with governors banning the social media platform from government networks and devices. But some have gone further, adding other apps with links to China to their ban list, including WeChat and AliPay.
Several states are considering legislation to restrict TikTok, mirroring similar efforts by US lawmakers at the federal level.
The moves come amid new security concerns about TikTok’s US user data and fears that it could find its way to the Chinese government. Nearly two dozen states announced restrictions late last year amid reports that talks between TikTok and the US government had stalled over whether the company could continue to offer its services in the United States.
“A potential national security deal is still under review,” TikTok said, adding that it believed a mutual agreement with federal officials was the best way to resolve security concerns.
“We are disappointed that so many states are stepping in to implement policies based on baseless, politically motivated falsehoods about TikTok,” a TikTok spokesperson told CNN in a statement about the state actions last month.
“It’s unfortunate,” the spokesperson said, “that the many government agencies, offices and universities in those states will no longer be able to use TikTok to build communities and connect with voters.”
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