Special Forces in the UK have been banned from using TikTok and other social media apps on their military-issued smartphones over fears of potential infiltration by Chinese or Russian spies.
Members of the elite unit, including the Special Boat Service and Special Reconnaissance Regiment, have also been advised not to use these apps on their personal phones. The warning was issued by the Special Forces Group Intelligence and Security unit, amid concerns that the apps could provide countries like China and Russia with data that could compromise operations, identify Special Forces members, or reveal covert locations.
Intelligence experts are particularly worried about China-owned TikTok, which could give access to top-secret data if infiltrated by hostile foreign intelligence services. These apps pose a significant risk as they collect excessive data when users accept the terms and conditions, and the additional data that could be collected is a cause for concern. Chinese-developed apps are subject to article seven of China's National Intelligence Law, which states that all Chinese organizations and citizens should "support, assist, and cooperate" with Chinese intelligence efforts.
Individuals' identities in the Special Forces are state secrets, and publication of such information is effectively banned under a DSMA-Notice. Thus, the ban on social media apps for Special Forces members is a precautionary measure to prevent espionage attempts. Colonel Phil Ingram, a former military intelligence officer, emphasizes that apps are one of the most significant emerging threats for hostile intelligence services to use to target individuals. The order follows similar bans affecting the military in the US, Canada, and parts of the EU.
The UK's Special Forces work closely with MI5 and MI6, and compromising these elite units could have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, the ban on TikTok and other social media apps is a necessary security measure. It is crucial to prevent hostile foreign intelligence services from obtaining top-secret data that could lead to an exposure of covert operations, members' identities, or locations. Military officials are taking no chances in protecting their assets and are issuing warnings and guidance to all military personnel regarding social media use. It is essential to remain vigilant and stay ahead of evolving threats in the digital age. Photo by Solen Feyissa, Wikimedia commons.