Image: WIRED

New York City Reverses TikTok Ban, Allows Use With Security Protocols

31 March, 2026.Technology and Science.12 sources

Key Takeaways

NYC lifts TikTok ban for government devices, enabling agency posting under new security protocols.
Announcement made on TikTok by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, signaling return to platform.
Ban originated in 2023 under Adams due to security concerns about the app.

Mamdani Lifts TikTok Ban

New York City lifted its multi-year TikTok ban on government-owned devices.

“NYC reverses TikTok ban on gov't devices New York City (NYC) has lifted its ban on TikTok for government-owned devices, allowing agencies to resume posting on the platform under new security protocols, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Tuesday via the app itself”

@globaltimesnews

The ban had been established in 2023 by former Mayor Eric Adams, who cited security concerns over ByteDance.

@globaltimesnews

The reversal comes after Congress passed a bill requiring ByteDance to transfer its U.S. division to a U.S.-based owner.

Use Allowed on Dedicated Devices

Agencies can use TikTok but only on dedicated, government-issued devices.

These devices do not contain sensitive or restricted data and cannot be used for email or internal systems.

amNewYork

Communications teams must have specific designated TikTok-using agents.

Mamdani Sees Opportunity

The move is aimed at expanding communication with residents.

“Mamdani puts New York City government back on TikTok Almost three years ago, New York City joined governments across the country in banning TikTok from its phones over security concerns about the Chinese social media site”