The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has published a comprehensive assessment of the Chinese social networking app TikTok. The review, revealed to the public through official channels, recommends that people refrain from using the app. The stance reflects concerns about safety, data protection, and the governance of technology sourced from regions considered less reliable by the ministry.
A senior official in charge of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Policy explained that the product originates from a region where trusted supply chains are not guaranteed. Based on this assessment, the ministry urges individuals to avoid downloading the application and to delete it if it has already been installed. The advisory underscores a precautionary approach aimed at safeguarding personal information and digital privacy.
At present there are no official plans to implement a nationwide ban on TikTok in Lithuania. The focus remains on protecting citizens’ personal data and ensuring that information handling adheres to national standards for data security and privacy. Officials emphasize that the concerns are not about censorship but about the potential for data to be accessed or exploited in ways that could compromise individuals and institutions.
The official noted that under Chinese law, data collected from TikTok users could be requested or accessed by Chinese authorities. This legal framework is cited as a factor driving heightened scrutiny of the platform and its data management practices. The discussion on data sovereignty has prompted ongoing dialogue with other nations about how social media networks operate and how user information is governed across borders.
In related developments, a former Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has commented on international concerns regarding TikTok. During a recent briefing, the spokesperson urged the United States to avoid broad generalizations about national security and to approach the issue with nuance. The remarks reflect a larger international debate about how security considerations intersect with modern digital platforms and the responsibilities of governments and corporations alike.