You might dread going through airport security when you're late for an early morning flight, but the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Instagram account tells a different story. His posts, which range from funny photos he's banned from taking on planes to photos of dogs, have attracted 1 million followers on Instagram. That being said, don't expect to see this content on TikTok. On February 23, the TSA banned employees from posting videos on TikTok due to security concerns.
While TikTok has not commented on the ban, it did after Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., asked intelligence officials to investigate the app. A statement was issued in November 2019. In a press release on November 5, 2019, TikTok US general manager Vanessa Pappas said that all US user data is stored in the United States, and backup data is stored in Singapore. “TikTok’s data centers are located entirely outside of China,” Pappas wrote. "In addition, we have a dedicated technical team focused on adhering to strong cybersecurity policies and data privacy and security practices." A spokesperson told Reuters at the time, "TikTok is committed to being a trustworthy and responsible company in the United States." Responsible corporate citizenship, which includes working with Congress and all relevant regulatory agencies.” Bustle has reached out to TikTok for comment on the recent TSA ban.
Before the TSA banned TikTok, Schumer sent a letter to TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressing concerns that the app posed a security risk. The senator cited the TikTok ban already implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in January as an example that the TSA should follow.
"While I recognize that TSA must adapt its outreach techniques to communicate with a variety of Americans, I urge you to evaluate the potential national security risks posed by Chinese technology companies before choosing to use certain platforms," Schumer wrote. ." He said members of U.S. federal agencies could be at risk of exposing "user content and communications, IP addresses, location-related data, metadata and other sensitive personal information" because the app is governed by Chinese law.
"TSA has never posted any content to TikTok and has never directed viewers to TikTok," a TSA spokesperson told The Verge on Monday . "A small number of TSA employees previously used TikTok on personal devices to create videos for TSA social media promotion, but this practice has now been discontinued." In some cases, the Transportation Security Administration's official Twitter account posted videos of its employees. TikTok videos.
The agency uses its different social media platforms to post tips on what you can and can't bring on board, information on proper identification and a slew of memes. TikTok videos posted by TSA agents contain similar content, including fun skits about carry-on dos and don’ts. While Schumer acknowledged the creativity and humor behind the videos, he still strongly urged TSA TikTok users to stick with other platforms.
The TSA and Department of Homeland Security are not the only U.S. entities to enact bans and restrictions based on similar security concerns. The Army banned soldiers from using TikTok in January, claiming the platform was a "cyber threat." The Navy also moved to ban the use of TikTok on government-issued phones, while the Marine Corps banned its soldiers from using the app on official phones.
Whether the TSA is just another agency in a long list of upcoming TikTok bans is unclear. But one thing is for sure, the days of seeing TSA agents posting playful videos on TikTok lip-syncing in uniform are over.
