France bans TikTok, Candy Crush, Netflix for civil servants

PARIS — France will prevent civil servants from downloading all types of social media platforms, gaming and video-streaming apps on their work phones because of cybersecurity and privacy concerns, according to a statement released today.

The ban, which is effective immediately, includes TikTok but is not limited to the Chinese-owned platform.

France’s move follows bans by European institutions and other EU countries such as the Netherlands. Unlike Brussels and The Hague, however, the French government also targets Western apps and platforms from Europe and the United States.

"These recreational applications are not designed to guarantee a sufficient level of cybersecurity to be deployed on the administration’s digital tools," said Digital Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. "TikTok, but also CandyCrush or Netflix are affected by this measure."

Exceptions could be granted for "institutional communications" purposes, the statement adds.

Earlier in March, government spokesperson Olivier Véran said that ministers and President Emmanuel Macron could not download social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok on their work phones. He added the government was working on a streamlined policy for civil servants.

Earlier this week, the National Assembly’s top officials strongly encouraged fellow MPs to "limit" their use of social media apps and messaging services such as Instagram, TikTok, Snap and Signal.