Amazon just told employees they have to delete TikTok from their phones due to 'security risks' (AMZN)

The decision was made due to "security risks," according to a copy of the email.
TikTok has come under scrutiny from US lawmakers for its data collection practices. While the app collects the same type of data that most apps collect, critics point to the fact that TikTok is owned by a Beijing-based company and question whether data could be turned over to the Chinese government.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Amazon told employees Friday that they must delete the TikTok from phones they use to access their work email accounts, citing "security risks."

"Due to security risks, the TikTok app is no longer permitted on mobile devices that access Amazon email," employees were told, according to a copy of the email tweeted by New York Times reporter Taylor Lorenz.

Employees were told they must delete TikTok from their work devices by Friday.

Amazon did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

TikTok has garnered scrutiny for its data collection practices. Much of that scrutiny stems from the fact that TikTok is owned by a Chinese company; however, experts told Business Insider that its data collection practices largely mirror those of popular US apps like Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration said it's considering banning TikTok in the US due to its Chinese ownership and data collection.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NOW WATCH: Why YETI coolers are so expensive