CASPER, Wyo. — Citing cybersecurity concerns, Governor Mark Gordon announced a ban on TikTok from all state electronic devices on Thursday, Dec. 15.
“The potential for foreign governments to access information collected by TikTok is extremely troubling,” Gordon said in a release Thursday.
In a memo addressed to all state employees, the Governor directed that TikTok will be permanently removed, and access blocked, from all state government electronic devices and networks. The ban extends to all state-issued cell phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers and other information technology equipment capable of internet connectivity.
With the announcement, Wyoming joins at least 12 other states that have banned TikTok from state devices, according to the release.Advertisement
“I am aware of the growing discussion nationwide surrounding TikTok’s ownership and the potential influence of foreign governments,” Gordon said in the memo.
The governor’s memo also directs the State’s Enterprise Technology Services, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and the Wyoming Information Analysis Team to conduct a coordinated review of any other technology-based threats posed to State government networks.
“The risk is that TikTok may be compelled to share information with those who are adverse to Wyoming’s interests,” he wrote. “Law enforcement warns that TikTok may not control its algorithm, allowing users’ devices to be compromised.”
A copy of the Governor’s memo is attached and may be found here.
