Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that Chinese social media platform TikTok will not be banned in Australia.
The app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has come under much scrutiny for its links to the Chinese government and potential foreign interference.
Locally, federal MPs have been working to have the app banned in Australia.
Morrison says the government has investigated the app and there is nothing to suggest it poses a security threat to Australians but he did warn that users' data could be sent back to Beijing.
The news has been welcomed by the local TikTok team which has been recently formed and been led by former Google executives.
"TikTok has become a much-loved platform for Australians to express themselves, find entertainment and connect in a fun, safe environment and this news will be welcomed by our passionate community," a TikTok spokesperson says.
"We remain committed to providing a safe and secure platform for people to bring joy and creators to build successful and meaningful careers. We look forward to seeing our positive and creative community continue to grow.”
This week news has arisen that tech giant Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance to buy TikTok in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The news comes as American President Donald Trump said he wants the app banned but has since backpedalled and said it could operate if owned by Microsoft.
“Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns. It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury,” the company says in a blog.
“Microsoft will move quickly to pursue discussions with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, in a matter of weeks, and in any event completing these discussions no later than September 15, 2020. During this process, Microsoft looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government, including with the President.”
Microsoft has committed to storing US user data in the US but says its talks to purchase TikTok are preliminary.
The app has already been banned in India.
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