Ban on TikTok still in force, AFP says

Military personnel are still banned from using the social media app TikTok due to its cybersecurity risks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reiterated on Friday.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the ban has been in effect for more than a year now, but cited the need to reiterate the ban because TikTok and other social media apps have “listening” capabilities, which can monitor activities from your phone.

“When you download it, you give certain permissions, so that includes permission to use of microphone, use of camera, so unknowingly it has control over your phone,” she said. —NESTOR CORRALES