Jul 30, 2024 - Politics & Policy

U.S. House bans staff use of ByteDance apps

Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

The House of Representatives is banning staffers from using apps from ByteDance, the Chinese-owned parent company of TikTok, on official congressional devices, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The government is in active litigation making the case that TikTok's ties to China represent a national security threat — an argument that could be undermined if congressional employees have associated apps on their phones.

Driving the news: In a notice to congressional offices on Tuesday, the House's chief administrative officer said they will "initiate the block and removal of all ByteDance products from all House-managed devices and app stores."

It's an escalation of an earlier staff ban on TikTok, a popular social media app from which lawmakers are also trying to force ByteDance to divest.
The ban includes Capcut, Hypic, Lark and Lemon8. It takes effect on Aug. 15 starting with mobile devices, the notice said.

Zoom out: CAO's move against all ByteDance owned apps reflects the bipartisan law that DOJ is now defending in court.

Despite the cybersecurity and national security concerns raised by CAO and the Biden administration, many lawmakers and presidential candidates have accounts on TikTok.

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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U.S. House bans staff use of ByteDance apps

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