House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Ban TikTok from Government Devices

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House Technology and Innovation this week began hearings on legislation that would ban TikTok from government devices, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron).

Following a state executive order issued in January 2023, House Bill 17 will prohibit the download, installation, and use of any applications or services owned by an entity located in China, including TikTok and WeChat.

The bill does not prohibit Ohioans from using TikTok or other Chinese-based applications on their personal devices.

“As legislators, it is our job to protect our constituents,” said Swearingen. “Cyber-security on government devices is necessary to protect sensitive information that could compromise our government and ultimately, all Ohioans.”

The legislation will continue to receive hearings in committee.