The ban also means EC staff cannot use the video-sharing app on personal devices including phones that have official apps installed. Employees must remove the app as soon as possible and should do so by March 15.

The measure aims to protect the commission against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyber attacks against the corporate environment of the commission, said Sonya Gospodinova, EC spokesperson.

The US government banned TikTok last year on federal government-issued devices due to national security concerns. Some legislators are making efforts to ban this app altogether in the US.