Chinese app TikTok banned on UK government phones.

The use of the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok on phones and other devices issued to government ministers and civil servants has been banned.

Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden told MPs the app would be banned on security grounds with immediate effect.

He described it as a "precautionary" but "prudent" move, following a review by the National Cyber Security Centre.

TikTok has strongly denied allegations that it hands users' data to the Chinese government.

Mr. Dowden said: "The security of sensitive government information must come first".