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Security of Government Devices
16 March 2023
Lead MP
Oliver Dowden
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyEmploymentClimateForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 14
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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