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New York City Restores TikTok Access for Agencies Under Strict Security Rules

The move signals a shift to direct digital outreach with single‑purpose, locked‑down phones.

Overview

  • City agencies can return to TikTok under a Tuesday memo from NYC Cyber Command that reverses the 2023 device ban.
  • The rules require separate government phones used only for TikTok that hold no sensitive data and are not connected to email or internal systems.
  • Accounts must use agency credentials and only designated communications staff can post, a setup meant to limit risk to city networks.
  • Dormant city accounts like Sanitation and Parks can reopen, and the mayor’s handle has new posts that range from tenant complaint hearings to a community challenge with WNBA player Natasha Cloud.
  • City Hall points to social video driving sign‑ups, including about 32,000 new NotifyNYC subscribers over four days and roughly 5,000 recruits for a snow‑shoveling program.
  • Nationally, TikTok formed a U.S.-based entity led by American investors including Oracle in January 2026, and investors tied to Meta and Alphabet have sued claiming ByteDance still retains operational control.