Keir Starmer launches personal TikTok account despite ban
Sir Keir Starmer opened a TikTok account despite the app being banned from government devices due to security concerns.
It was banned on government-issued devices in 2023 following a review by Rishi Sunak’s government in response to concerns about TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance.
Downing Street said “security mitigations” had been implemented for the operation of the Prime Minister’s account, as is the case with the existing UK Government profile on the social media site.
“Restrictions remain on the use of the app on most government devices and there is no change to our security policy when it comes to TikTok,” its official spokesperson said.
“As with the existing UKgov account, there are security mitigations.”
The first 13-second post on the Keirstarmer account shows Sir Keir switching on Downing Street’s Christmas lights at the ceremony.
“We aim to reach audiences where they are and communication is changing and people have the right to know about Government decisions that affect them and why and how they are happening,” his spokesman said.
“TikTok is another way to do this and reach a wider audience.”
The “ukgov” TikTok account, created in February, contains public service messages encouraging users to renew their passports, as well as reminders of what Labour’s so-called “Plan for Change” entails.
