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Starmer Joins TikTok Despite UK Government Device Ban

Downing Street says security mitigations permit a prime ministerial presence without changing the 2023 restrictions.

Overview

  • Sir Keir Starmer launched a personal TikTok account on December 8 with a 13‑second video from the Downing Street Christmas lights switch-on.
  • TikTok has been barred from most government-issued devices since 2023 following a security review focused on risks linked to ByteDance.
  • No 10 said the policy remains in place and that safeguards used for the PM’s account mirror those applied to the existing 'ukgov' profile.
  • Officials described the move as a way to reach audiences where they are and to explain government decisions.
  • The 'ukgov' TikTok account, created in February, carries public-service messages such as passport renewal reminders and policy explainers.