BBC staff told to delete TikTok app after ban from government devices

Broadcaster echoes government’s fear of data protection on Chinese-owned social media platform

The BBC has urged staff to delete TikTok from corporate mobile phones, days after ministers and civil servants were banned from having the Chinese-owned social media app on government-issued phones.

Guidance sent to staff at the national broadcaster on Sunday said: “We don’t recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason. If you do not need TikTok for business reasons, TikTok should be deleted.”

Staff will still be permitted to use the app on their work phones for editorial and marketing purposes, though BBC bosses said they will issue further guidance if the situation demands.