To begin second term, Gov. Mike DeWine bans TikTok from state-owned devices

Haley BeMiller, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
Gov. Mike DeWine banned TikTok and other China-based social media platforms from state-owned devices.
Gov. Mike DeWine banned TikTok and other China-based social media platforms from state-owned devices.
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Gov. Mike DeWine began his second term Sunday by banning the social media app TikTok on state-owned devices, following in the footsteps of Congress and several states across the country.

DeWine issued a series of executive orders after taking the oath of office, including one that would ban any social media platform owned by a company in China. That includes TikTok and other apps such as WeChat, a messaging app similar to WhatsApp. TikTok is owned by China-based ByteDance.

State agencies are also prohibited from using the apps. The ban doesn't apply to state universities such as Ohio State University, which has a TikTok account.

Debate over TikTok has surfaced in recent months as critics worry the Chinese government could control the popular app or use it to spread misinformation. Congress passed legislation last month to keep it off federal devices, and states such as Maryland, Georgia and Texas have issued bans similar to DeWine's.

TikTok has touted plans to further secure the app and allay concerns in the U.S.

An August Pew Research survey found two-thirds of teens use TikTok, making it the most popular social media platform among that age group. Pew also found that 26% of adults under 30 regularly get news from there.

At least one Ohio agency was trying to tap into those audiences. The Ohio Department of Transportation launched a TikTok account in 2020 that amassed tens of thousands of followers. As of Monday morning, the account was gone.

Also Sunday, DeWine signed an executive order that ensures nursing mothers can't be discriminated against for employment in state government.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine bans TikTok from state-owned devices