It should come as no surprise to anyone that there are massive security, misinformation and propaganda concerns with the Chinese-owned social media company TikTok. The alarm has been sounded on both sides of the aisle and action has been taken on the federal and state level. In fact, just last week the U.S. Senate voted to ban the app on federal government devices.
However, our own governor has remained silent even as Congress is poised to ban the app on U.S. government devices.
In recent weeks, a growing number of governors have issued executive orders banning the social media platform for state government agencies and employees using state devices. One should question why Murphy is dragging his feet on this issue of national security. Is he afraid because this effort has been championed mostly by GOP governors?
Does he believe it would hurt his image in an attempt to run for president?
Every branch of the U.S. military has banned the social media app on military-issued cellphones and tablets for three years now. If it is good enough for the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon, it should be good enough for us.
What is Murphy waiting for?
As a long-time member of the Assembly Homeland Security Committee, I am disappointed that this administration has not taken the action it can take through the stroke of a pen. Because of his lack of action, I am preparing to introduce legislation that will prohibit the installation or use of TikTok on electronic devices issued by the state.
While the TikTok threat is something both sides might be able to agree on, we must emphasize that this not a partisan issue but an issue of national security. I wish we didn’t have to introduce this bill, but in the absence of leadership from our governor, we have no choice.
It is our duty to protect the data and cybersecurity of state government. I call on our Governor, to immediately ban TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party’s ability to easily infiltrate and manipulate the American people.
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Gregory McGuckin has been an assemblyman since 2012. A resident of Toms River, he represents parts of Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties in the 10th Legislative District.
