At this time, Poland has not issued explicit directives to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. Stanisław Żaryn, the Government Plenipotentiary for Information Space Security, told PAP that authorities are examining a range of Chinese technologies and telecommunications products, but no blanket prohibition has been announced. He emphasized that the assessment process remains ongoing and that recommendations can evolve as security considerations develop.
Reports from Thursday indicated that employees of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are prohibited from using the TikTok app on official devices for security reasons. Similar cautionary steps have been observed in the United States, Canada, and within the European Commission, underscoring a broader trend of heightened scrutiny over certain foreign digital services.
Poland’s stance is still evolving, says Żaryn
During a discussion with the press, Żaryn was asked whether Poland has any formal guidance on the use of Chinese applications on official devices and whether the topic is under review. He replied that there are currently no firm recommendations to ban TikTok in Poland. He added that in the past, Polish security services have issued cautions or recommendations regarding other Chinese services or technologies, reflecting a cautious, case-by-case approach rather than a broad ban.
The Government’s Commissioner for Information Space Security noted that the analysis includes a range of Chinese technologies and telecommunications products. He explained that Polish authorities conduct business with entities operating under specific legal regimes and that such factors influence risk assessment. He also highlighted that Chinese law obliges telecom operators to cooperate with local authorities, which can raise concerns about data access and governance for technologies produced by large Chinese corporations.
Żaryn stressed that this creates a perception of elevated risk for certain Chinese-developed technologies compared to products that do not carry similar legal and operational risk baggage. The discussion points to a cautious, proportionate approach rather than an outright verdict on any single service.
In response to a PAP inquiry about the Latvian decision, Łukasz Jasina, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, indicated that the Polish Foreign Ministry did not ban its staff from using TikTok. The comment reflects ongoing interpretations of what constitutes secure device management and which platforms require tighter controls for official work.
Poland seeks guidance from the European Union
Poland’s government spokesperson Piotr Müller stated on Radio Wnet that Warsaw has asked the European Commission for information on the technical justifications behind the move to restrict TikTok on official devices. Waiting for the EC’s assessment is a natural step in aligning national policy with broader EU security criteria. Müller added that device restriction policies are generally applied to a range of applications, not solely TikTok, indicating a wider framework for managing applications on government equipment.
The public conversation around these measures continues as governments weigh cyber security, data sovereignty, and the political implications of popular social platforms. While some agencies push for swift action, others advocate a measured, evidence-based approach that accounts for the varied capabilities and governance of different technologies.
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olk/PAP
Source: wPolityce