Gov. Evers intends to ban TikTok from state devices

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Gov. Tony Evers plans to ban TikTok from state devices, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office confirmed Friday.

Britt Cudaback said Gov. Evers intends to issue an executive order on the matter, likely next week. There was no other information provided on why the governor came to the decision or the exact date on when the order would be issued.

Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher commended the decision and expressed his concerns about the app’s security.

“This app belongs nowhere near any part of our government and I’m glad Governor Evers finally made the decision to ban TikTok on state devices,” Gallagher said.

In December, Evers said that his administration was keeping a close eye on state devices that use the popular social media app. He said at the time that the number of people who use it was small and that his administration was taking the issue seriously.

Republican members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation called on Evers in December to ban the app, citing their concerns that the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on users and spread propaganda. In an omnibus spending bill, lawmakers proposed banning the app on government devices.

Governors in several states have already ordered state employees not to use TikTok on government devices.

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