WASHINGTON, D.C. (ClearanceJobs) — In a unanimous decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld the ban on TikTok, the popular social media app citing the concerns of lawmakers that it is a national security threat.
There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the court wrote in the unsigned ruling.
“But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” the justices added. “For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights. The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is affirmed.”
Perhaps expecting this decision, there has been a wave of so-called “TikTok refugees” heading to RedNote, the international version of Xiaohongshu (translated to “Little Red Book”). While there haven’t been calls to ban that app yet, legal experts told ClearanceJobs it will likely have the same issues for those whose jobs require the handling of classified materials.
“RedNote is just as much a security concern as TikTok for those holding a security clearance because the Chinese app will also have access to personal and confidential information on your cellphone that a holder may possess,” warned Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner Greg Rinckey.
The problems go much further than TikTok and RedNote. All social media platforms, especially those that aren’t American-based could be a serious red flag for clearance holders.
“Security clearance holders as a general practice should avoid using foreign-based social media applications, and RedNote seems no different,” explained Brad Moss, a partner in the law offices of Mark Zaid.
Moss, who specializes in litigation on matters relating to national security, federal employment, and security clearance law, recommended that “Security clearance holders simply need to avoid this part of the social media ecosystem just as they have done for years now.”
