TikTok raising questions about cyber security in Sask. schools
As more institutions move to ban TikTok from their devices the public is left wondering if the app is safe to use.
The micro-video platform seems innocent enough, but the concern lies with it’s ownership, according to Marc Saltzman, tech expert and author.
“It is a Chinese company and any Chinese organization or individual must hand over information to government if requested,” he says.
Saltzman says governments see it as a political threat, especially with the recent election tampering controversy and the Chinese balloon flying over North America last month.
Sask Polytechnic announced Tuesday that it’s removing the popular app from its institution owned devices.
“This decision is due to recent announcements by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, providing a similar direction for all government work phones while the platform is under investigation by the federal privacy commissioner,” the statement said.
The federal government announced that investigation to look into TikTok’s use and collection of users’ personal information.
Both governments removed the app last month.
CTV News asked some post secondary students what they think of Polytech’s move.
Nobu Ndlovu is a student at the University of Saskatchewan and wonders why TikTok is viewed as more invasive than others.
“There’s already information out there in the world so for me personally, I feel it shouldn’t be that much of a risk,” she said.
Saltzman has a similar thought.
“TikTok is no different than any other social media platform. Snap Chat, Instagram, Facebook; they are collecting data about users. Data is the currency here. They are free,” Saltzman added.
At the University of Saskatchewan, officials haven’t banned TikTok but said this in a statement:
“We discourage the use of all social media platforms on USask-owned devices, but do not have policies that prohibit it at this time. We have not yet determined it necessary to adjust processes related TikTok at this time.”
If the app were to be removed, some students we spoke to wouldn’t be too concerned.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to give all your information to third party companies so its probably a good idea for university students to spend more time on school instead of on their phones,” Callum Cabana told CTV News.
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools tells CTV News they already had TikTok banned for privacy and security concerns, while Saskatoon Public Schools doesn’t have any specific directive on using TikTok, though it’s not accessible on their Wi-Fi.
The City of Saskatoon, meanwhile, doesn’t have a TikTok specific ban but said they don’t have an active presence on TikTok. The use of non-approved software like social media, games, music, and video files is not permitted on city-owned computers/devices.
So there doesn’t appear to be a clear cut decision across the board, but for some, limiting TikTok use has many benefits.
“It’s brain rot, you just scroll and scroll and scroll,” Cabana said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.