Federal employees can download TikTok on government phones again, DOJ says
Luis Cabral ·
The Department of Justice said today that federal employees can once again download TikTok on government-issued devices, TechCrunch reports, citing a department determination. The shift effectively unwinds a government-device prohibition adopted across federal agencies in 2023 amid data security concerns. It could quickly alter how agencies approach public outreach, training, and workforce communications that have avoided the app.
Details remain sparse: TechCrunch says DOJ did not immediately spell out security conditions, timelines, or whether app use will be limited to certain functions. The earlier policy barred installations and required removal of TikTok from official phones with narrow exceptions; agencies will likely wait for updated guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. Watch for formal OMB instructions, any agency-specific carve-outs, and initial congressional reaction. [Developing. This article will be updated.]