Bill to ban TikTok on state devices passes Pennsylvania Senate
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A bill that would ban the use of the app TikTok on state devices and networks seems to have most Pennsylvania senators in agreement.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, notes that the app on state devices presents 'an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk.' Under Senate Bill 376, all agencies, departments or commissions that are state government entities must do the following:
Remove the application from state networks
Implement measures to prevent the installation of the app
Implement network-based restrictions to prevent workers from using and accessing the app
Pennsylvania Representative aims to repeal 'Johnstown Flood Tax'
'The people of Pennsylvania's personal safety and our national security are threatened by cyber vulnerabilities of systems that support our daily lives. It is imperative that Pennsylvania takes bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address cybersecurity threats,' Phillips-Hill noted in her memo about the bill to other lawmakers.
Over half of the other states have already banned the app on government devices, along with several other countries.
The bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate with 49 votes yes on Wednesday, June 4. This comes after it passed both the Communications and Technology and the Appropriations Committee.
It will now head to the House for consideration.
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