With some countries restricting TikTok use for government officials and the United States set to ban it, Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė has criticised her Social Democratic Party (LSDP) for using the social media platform.
"I don't think TikTok is a good platform for any purpose, because it has nothing to do with freedom of information. Disinformation isn't part of freedom of information. I definitely view it very negatively, but a political party isn't a state institution," Šakalienė said.
The LSDP TikTok account has nearly 700 followers, with its first video dating back to March 2022.
The party's communications team told BNS that TikTok content is just a small part of its public outreach efforts.
"According to Kantar’s data, around 54 percent of Internet users in Lithuania use TikTok, which is a significant audience. Naturally, parties, politicians, media outlets, and other organisations use this platform to reach as many people as possible," the party said in a written reply to BNS.
In 2023, the National Cyber Security Center carried out a cybersecurity analysis of TikTok and recommended against using the app on official phones.
The analysis identified TikTok as a potential security risk with significant negative implications for users' digital data and information systems.
The centre confirmed to BNS that this recommendation remains in effect, adding that political organisations are advised to follow it.
The LSDP said that it takes all security requirements seriously but noted that it has not received any official recommendations or requests from state authorities to stop using TikTok or delete its account.
Several other Lithuanian parliamentary parties – Nemunas Dawn, the Democrats "For Lithuania," and the Liberal Movement – also use the social platform.
The Liberals told BNS that they are currently deciding whether to continue their presence on TikTok.
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