Keir Starmer Has Joined TikTok Even Though The App Is Banned On Government Devices
Keir Starmer has joined TikTok – even though the app is still banned on most government devices amid security concerns.
The prime minister posted a 13-second video of the Christmas lights being switched on in Downing Street by social media influencer Samuel Salamone.
Walking along the hallway towards the famous black door of No.10 with his wife, Victoria, Starmer says: “TikTok, follow me.”
However, the PM’s official spokesman admitted the app – which has links to the Chinese state – remains banned by the government.
He said: “Restrictions on the use of the app on most government devices remain in place and there’s no changes to our security policy when it comes to TikTok.”
@keirstarmer Hi TikTok ????
♬ original sound - Keir Starmer
Starmer’s use of TikTok is part of a wider government effort to engage with younger people, who consume most of their news on social media.
Reform leader Nigel Farage, an early adopter and regular user of TokTok, has 1.4 million followers, compared to Starmer’s 1,019 so far.
The PM also posted on Substack for the first time last week, while social media influencers are now regularly invited to ask questions at Downing Street press conferences.
Starmer’s spokesman said: “We are intent on reaching audiences where they are and communication is changing and people have a right to know about the decisions the Government is taking that affect them and why and how that is.
“TikTok is simply another way to do that and reach that wider audience.”