Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies and employees from using TikTok on state devices.
Noem made the announcement in a press release issued Tuesday. The Republican governor said the move is in response to the “growing national security threat” posed by TikTok over its alleged data gathering operations on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
“Because of our serious duty to protect the private data of South Dakota citizens, we must take this action immediately," Noem said. "I hope other states will follow South Dakota’s lead, and Congress should take broader action, as well."
TikTok is a video sharing platform owned by “ByteDance,” a Chinese company. Users upload short video clips that can be viewed by others.
Critics, including Sen. John Thune, have questioned TikTok over reports it shares personal data with the Chinese government. The company has denied these allegations.