Amazon bans TikTok on worker telephones, then calls it a mistake [Updated]

A person's hands holding a smartphone with the app TikTok displayed on the screen.
Enlarge / An individual utilizing the video-sharing utility TikTok on a smartphone in Faridabad in India on June 30, 2020.

Replace at 5:15pm ET: Amazon now says it despatched the e-mail asserting a TikTok ban by mistake, based on The Verge. “This morning’s e-mail to a few of our workers was despatched in error,” an Amazon spokesperson mentioned, based on the Verge article. “There isn’t a change to our insurance policies proper now with regard to TikTok.” We’re nonetheless ready to listen to again from Amazon.

Authentic story follows:

Amazon ordered workers to delete TikTok from their telephones as we speak, citing “safety dangers.”

Amazon’s e-mail to workers didn’t specify what safety dangers the corporate is anxious about or whether or not TikTok has already precipitated a safety downside internally. Final month, we reported on analysis that discovered TikTok’s app was capable of learn clipboard information on iOS units. TikTok mentioned it should cease accessing customers’ clipboards.

“As a result of safety dangers, the TikTok app is now not permitted on cell units that entry Amazon e-mail,” a message from Amazon’s IT division to workers mentioned. “When you’ve got TikTok in your system, you should take away it by 10-Jul to retain cell entry to Amazon e-mail. Presently, utilizing TikTok out of your Amazon laptop computer browser is allowed.”

Amazon presumably requires device-management software program on telephones that entry firm e-mail, giving the corporate the power to implement the no-TikTok coverage by eradicating entry to Amazon e-mail accounts. A screenshot of the e-mail to Amazon workers was posted on Twitter by New York Occasions reporter Taylor Lorenz.

TikTok is a social video-sharing service owned by ByteDance, a Chinese language firm. The Trump administration is contemplating a ban on TikTok and different Chinese language social media apps, as reported earlier this week. America has been imposing limits on different Chinese language tech corporations corresponding to Huawei, arguing that Chinese language companies might be compelled to assist the Chinese language authorities with espionage. Members of Congress have additionally raised national-security issues about TikTok.

TikTok was already banned by India, and the app halted operations in Hong Kong on account of a brand new safety legislation imposed by China.

TikTok seeks rationalization

Amazon didn’t clarify its reasoning to TikTok, a TikTok spokesperson informed Ars.

“Whereas Amazon didn’t talk to us earlier than sending their e-mail, and we nonetheless don’t perceive their issues, we welcome a dialogue so we will deal with any points they could have and allow their crew to proceed collaborating in our group,” TikTok’s assertion mentioned.

The assertion additionally mentioned that “[u]ser safety is of the utmost significance to TikTok—we’re totally dedicated to respecting the privateness of our customers.” TikTok additional famous that its customers embrace “most of the Amazon workers and contractors who’ve been on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

We contacted Amazon about its TikTok ban as we speak and can replace this story if we get any response.

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