Defence concerns about TikTok should take ADF families into account

Apprehensions about the social networking platform TikTok fuelled by media headlines have included suggestions that there are risks associated with content shared by Australian Defence Force personnel. While the Department of Defence hasn’t made a specific statement against TikTok other than to include the platform on its list of non-approved apps for Defence devices, there are valid concerns about the engagement of military members any on social media platform. However, focusing only on social media use by serving members disregards another crucial cohort—families and loved ones. Connecting on social media is critical for the health and wellbeing of military families, but it can expose Defence to security risks. Defence needs to do more to assist families in mitigating those risks.