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While US threatens to ban TikTok, Philippines says regulation is key
- A Philippine lawmaker’s proposal to ban ‘foreign adversary controlled’ apps like TikTok has fallen flat
- So long as apps follow rules on privacy and cybersecurity, regulators say the ‘maximum step’ of a ban won’t be needed
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![The TikTok app is seen on a phone. Philippine regulators say outlawing the app would be a last resort. Photo: AFP](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/28/f3c6fd31-ad0d-40d6-a24e-0b76eeb46596_f7d2dd43.jpg?itok=8RgxF4ml&v=1716880123)
The Philippines has rejected a proposal to ban TikTok, saying regulating the popular short video app and other social media platforms was key to address possible espionage concerns.
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Lawmaker Bienvenido Abante filed a bill last week in the House of Representatives to prohibit “foreign adversary controlled” applications, naming TikTok as an example.
Abante claimed TikTok “can easily transmit data harvested from its users to the Chinese government”.
He said the proposed measure was aimed at preventing “foreign adversary countries infiltrating our communication infrastructure and making a mockery of our cybersecurity and intelligence”.
But the Department of Information and Communications Technology said it was in favour of monitoring and regulating online shopping sites and messaging apps.
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