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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-05-08

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill prohibits state and local government employees, contractors, and other users from downloading or using TikTok and WeChat on government-issued devices and networks. It requires removal of these apps within 30 days if already installed, with exceptions for law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies using them for official investigations.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects sensitive government data and citizen information from potential foreign access and surveillance risks, since TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and WeChat by Chinese company Tencent.
• •They contend that restricting these apps on government devices prevents potential cybersecurity threats to state operations and citizen privacy while other states and the federal government have implemented similar restrictions.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill raises free speech and due process concerns by restricting employee access without clear evidence of specific security breaches on government devices.
• •Some question whether the bill's broad definitions of 'covered applications' and 'information technology' could create enforcement difficulties, and others note that personal use distinctions may be unclear, potentially affecting employee rights while still leaving other security vulnerabilities unaddressed.