Gov. Evers to issue executive order to ban TikTok on state devices 'likely next week'

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) - Governor Tony Evers intends to issue an executive order to ban social media app TikTok on state-issued devices.

A spokeswoman from the governor's office confirmed to CBS 58 the executive order will happen, "likely next week."

The decision to ban the app on state-issued devices follows a pressure campaign from Republican members of Wisconsin's delegation in Congress calling on the democratic governor to take action and calling TikTok a national security threat.

Those wanting to ban the video-sharing app argue the Chinese government can use TikTok to spy on users and promote Chinese Community Party propaganda.

For weeks, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI-8th District) has been calling on the Evers administration to act and delete his campaign TikTok account due to concerns from the FBI and cyber security officials the app could steal data and pass it along to the Chinese government. 

"This app belongs nowhere near any part of our government and I’m glad Governor Evers finally made the decision to ban TikTok on state devices," Gallagher said in a statement. "Now that Governor Evers has recognized the threat posed by the app, I hope he will also delete his campaign's TikTok account.”

Gov. Evers' campaign has a TikTok, but he didn't use personal one. Many other politicians used TikTok to promote their campaigns and platforms. 

TikTok is owned by ByteDance which is located in Beijing.

Evers said last month he was in communication with the FBI and emergency management officials to determine if the app posed a security risk.