Exceptions must be considered only on a case by case basis, must be documented, and must be reviewed for renewal annually. Image: Ascannio/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOMB has issued guidance for removing TikTok from agency-issued smart phones and other devices, as required by the wrapup agency funding law enacted in late 2022 that termed the video-sharing app a potential security risk for government devices due to its capacity to capture user information that then could be passed to the Chinese government.
The law applies as well to “any successor application or service of TikTok developed or provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance Limited” and encompasses “not only IT owned or operated by agencies, but also IT ‘used by a contractor under a contract with the executive agency that requires the use’ of that IT,” according to OMB Memo M-23-13.
OMB noted that the law allows limited exceptions for uses including national security interests, law enforcement and security research activities.
Within 30 days, agencies are to identify the presence of TikTok or other covered applications, “remove or disallow installations” and “prohibit internet traffic” of those not qualifying for an exception. They are to also modify any contracts that require the use of covered applications and ensure that no new contracts contain such requirements.
Exceptions must be considered only on a case by case basis, must be documented, and must be reviewed for renewal annually. “Blanket exceptions applying to an entire agency are not permitted. Exceptions must be exclusive to specific agency programs or operational actions covered by the exception categories below. The agency must develop and document risk mitigation actions appropriate for any use of a covered application for which an exception is granted,” it says.
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