Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Security of Government Devices

16 March 2023 · 14 other contributors

Opened by Oliver Dowden Con Hertsmere

Foreign AffairsStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Oliver Dowden raised concerns about security of government devices in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister announced a review by cyber-security experts on risks posed by third-party apps on government devices.
  • The review highlighted risks associated with how sensitive government data is accessed and used by platforms like TikTok.
  • The Government will restrict access to third-party apps to pre-approved lists and ban TikTok on government devices.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Oliver Dowden

The Minister announced a review conducted by cyber-security experts to assess risks posed by certain third-party apps on government devices, focusing particularly on TikTok. The review concluded that there is a risk around how sensitive government data is accessed and used by platforms like TikTok. In response, the Government will implement two measures: first, restricting access to third-party apps to pre-approved lists for all government devices; second, banning TikTok from use on such devices immediately. This ban applies only to corporate devices within ministerial and non-ministerial departments but not personal devices of employees or ministers. Limited operational exemptions will be available upon security team approval with appropriate ministerial clearance.

Other contributors (14)
  • Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne

    Question

    The shadow questioned how the ban on TikTok differs from it simply not being on a pre-approved list and inquired about its scope, specifically asking why it applies only to central government departments and not devolved ones. She also asked for further detail on the specific risk identified by the review and requested information on advice given to ministers using private messaging apps like WhatsApp.

    Minister reply

    The minister responded that the ban is based on a specific risk assessment concerning sensitive data accessed via TikTok, which applies only to corporate devices due to their nature. He did not provide specifics on criteria for pre-approved app lists or advice on private messaging but committed to updating guidance on email use by ministers.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Melton

    Question

    The MP inquired about the Government’s approach to identifying risks in their supply chain, suggesting a more systematic review is necessary.

    Minister reply

    The minister stated that while he understands the need for proactive approaches, current measures are focused on protecting sensitive data rather than addressing broader procurement issues.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Question

    Asked about security considerations regarding ministers' personal devices and whether the ban would apply to specific departments like the Ministry of Defence.

    Minister reply

    The minister clarified that the ban applies specifically to corporate government devices, with exemptions granted on a case-by-case basis for operational needs. He did not specify whether it applied to the MoD without further departmental review.

  • Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne

    Question

    Welcomes the statement but criticises the delay in taking action. Questions why the ban is limited to official devices and not extended to private messaging services used by Ministers, and calls for a more comprehensive review of technology use within government.

    Minister reply

    Responds that the decision was based on evidence gathering and an assessment of risk. The ban applies to central Government Departments and agencies but does not extend to all public sector bodies like devolved administrations without explicit directive. Ministers receive extensive guidance upon taking office regarding app usage, and non-corporate communications guidelines are being updated.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Compliments the Minister for previous decisive actions against Huawei and surveillance tech. Urges further scrutiny on procurement to ensure national security is not compromised by foreign technologies.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the importance of Procurement Bill amendments for securing public sector contracts from national security threats, including parent or subsidiary companies that might pose risks.

  • Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North

    Question

    Asks about adherence to guidelines by Ministers and civil servants using Government devices. Also queries whether information on security threats will be shared with Parliament’s security advisers, and raises concerns over companies like Huawei and Hikvision being used despite their involvement in human rights abuses.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that the Cabinet Office is responsible for ensuring adherence to guidelines across government departments. Security advice from Government can be provided to help parliamentarians make decisions. The UK continues to call out and engage with China over human rights issues.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Question

    Asks the Minister to ensure that any Government Minister or senior official who has TikTok on their private phone should remove it. Also requests for Hikvision cameras to be removed from every single site that is a Government base.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the points raised by Mr Duncan Smith, stating that guidance will be issued soon about non-corporate communications and the use of Government phones for substantive business. Also offers to meet him to provide further information on Hikvision usage.

  • Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

    Question

    Asks why there was a delay in introducing this measure, noting that security services had warned nine to twelve months ago about the risks from TikTok. Questions how members can know if correspondence is on a private phone.

    Minister reply

    Explains that TikTok was not on the list of allowed apps for most Departments and mentions that guidance will be issued soon about non-corporate communications, emphasising that substantive Government business should be conducted only on Government phones.

  • Theresa Villiers

    Question

    Urges Minister to expedite with the Online Safety Bill which contains other important safeguards to keep children safe online.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges progress with the Online Safety Bill but emphasises that this is just one part of a broader security strategy. Highlights expertise from National Cyber Security Centre and need for proportionate measures.

  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    Compliments the Minister but suggests playing whack-a-mole with individual companies like TikTok is no substitute for a coherent cross-Government strategy. Suggests including genomics in definition of critical national infrastructure.

    Minister reply

    Responds by referencing the integrated review refresh which outlines approach to China, emphasising a balanced and proportionate engagement.

  • David Johnston

    Question

    Welcomes Minister's precautionary measure and notes that TikTok is not allowed in its current format in China.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with point about data harvesting by various social media apps, stressing additional risk due to TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

  • Andrew Western Lab Stretford and Urmston

    Question

    Supports changes but suggests they could go further on use of personal devices by Ministers. Asks if the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will lead by example.

    Minister reply

    Confident that the Secretary of State will adhere to guidance given, handling sensitive documents not on his private device.

  • Matt Warman

    Question

    Welcomes robust approach against TikTok but asks if agencies and local government should heed the advice.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that guidance applies directly to Government Departments, arm's length bodies, devolved Administrations, and relevant local authorities.

Shadow Comment

Angela Rayner

The shadow welcomed the statement but criticised the Government for being late to address the issue, noting earlier actions by other countries and inconsistencies in policy. The Labour Party seeks a strong, clear-eyed approach that protects national security while allowing engagement with nations like China on issues such as climate change and trade. Shadow questions focused on specifics of the ban, its scope beyond central government, criteria for pre-approved apps list, and broader implications for technology use at the heart of government.

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