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North Dakota County Bans TikTok on Government Devices

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ta-county-bans-tiktok-on-government-devices.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 17:17 GMT by The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
      Locales: South Dakota, UNITED STATES

Huron, S.D. - Barnes County, North Dakota, has initiated steps to ban the use of TikTok on all county-owned devices and networks, a move reflecting escalating anxieties among US government entities regarding the popular video-sharing application's data security and potential ties to the Chinese government. The Barnes County Commission approved the measure on Monday with a 2-1 vote, commencing a process that, if finalized, will restrict access to TikTok on county-issued smartphones, tablets, computers, and the county's overall network infrastructure. The resolution also explicitly prohibits county employees from utilizing TikTok for any official county business.

This decision isn't isolated. Barnes County is now part of a rapidly growing number of state and local governments taking similar actions, indicating a broad and deepening apprehension about TikTok's data handling practices. The increasing scrutiny stems from fears that user data collected by TikTok could be accessed by the Chinese government, posing potential risks to national security and privacy. This concern isn't new, but it has intensified in recent months, prompting more decisive action from various levels of government.

Commissioner Joe Haagensen, a proponent of the ban, articulated the core reasoning behind the resolution. "This is fundamentally about safeguarding our county's data and resources," Haagensen stated. "There are legitimate concerns regarding the type of data TikTok collects, its storage locations, and crucially, with whom that data is shared. We have a responsibility to protect sensitive information and prevent potential breaches." He further explained that the county handles a significant amount of confidential data, including citizen records, financial information, and infrastructure details, making it a potential target.

The resolution isn't immediately enforceable, however. It currently awaits review by the county attorney to ensure its legality and practicality. This legal review will likely focus on the scope of the ban, its potential impact on employee rights, and its consistency with existing data privacy regulations. The attorney's assessment will be crucial in determining whether the ban can be implemented effectively without facing legal challenges.

Commissioner Mike Jensen voiced dissent, casting the sole vote against the resolution. Jensen expressed skepticism regarding the ban's enforceability and predicted potential legal hurdles. "While I understand the concerns, I'm not convinced this is a practical solution, and I foresee potential legal challenges," Jensen commented. He suggested exploring alternative security measures or focusing on stricter data encryption rather than an outright ban. Jensen's concerns highlight the complexities of balancing security concerns with individual freedoms and practical implementation.

TikTok itself has yet to officially respond to the Barnes County resolution. However, the company has previously defended its data security practices, asserting that user data is stored securely and that it does not share data with the Chinese government. TikTok maintains that it operates independently and adheres to all applicable laws and regulations. These claims, however, haven't fully alleviated the concerns of US lawmakers and security officials.

The Barnes County decision comes amidst increasing pressure on TikTok from federal lawmakers. There's a growing bipartisan consensus in Congress to address the perceived national security risks posed by the app. Various legislative proposals have been put forward, ranging from outright bans to requiring TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Some lawmakers are also calling for stricter regulations regarding data localization and user privacy.

The debate extends beyond mere data security. Concerns about censorship and the potential for TikTok's algorithm to promote biased or harmful content have also contributed to the growing opposition. Critics argue that the app could be used to influence public opinion or spread disinformation.

It's expected that Barnes County's action will encourage other local governments to consider similar measures. As more entities scrutinize TikTok and implement restrictions, the app's future in the United States remains uncertain. The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing the benefits of global technology with the need to protect national security and individual privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. The conversation is likely to intensify in the coming months as lawmakers and regulators continue to grapple with these complex issues.