Overview
FAR 4.2202 establishes a formal ban on the use or presence of TikTok (and other covered applications) on information technology used in the performance of federal contracts, pursuant to the No TikTok on Government Devices Act.
Key Rules
- Broad Prohibition: The presence or use of any "covered application" is prohibited on all government-owned or managed information technology (IT).
- Contractor IT Scope: The ban extends to IT used or provided by a contractor under a federal contract.
- Employee Devices (BYOD): The prohibition specifically includes personal equipment provided by contractor employees if that equipment is used in the performance of a contract.
- Legal Basis: The rule implements Section 102 of Division R of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, and OMB Memorandum M-23-13.
- Exceptions: Use of the application is only permitted if a specific exception is granted according to OMB guidelines (typically for law enforcement, national security, or security research).
Practical Implications
- Contractors must implement corporate policies and technical controls to ensure TikTok is not installed on any devices used for government work, including personal devices used for work-related tasks (BYOD).
- Compliance requires active monitoring and potential updates to employment agreements to satisfy the flow-down requirements of this IT security mandate.