News

Delta, Southwest Ban TikTok On Employee Devices

Published

11 months ago

July 5, 2023

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have both implemented bans on the video-sharing app TikTok for their employees, according to Simply Flying, an online aviation news platform.

Delta Air Lines recently announced that it was prohibiting the use of TikTok on phones connected to its work network.

This decision aligns with a recent US Government ban that restricts the presence and use of TikTok on information technology networks, including equipment used by Federal contractors.

Delta Air Lines is extending the ban to include any personal device used to access its internal network systems. This means that using TikTok on employees’ personal devices for work-related purposes, such as accessing apps, email, the intranet, or flight booking systems, will no longer be allowed.

Delta Air Lines itself has an official TikTok account with a significant number of followers, but the ban applies specifically to employee devices.

Southwest Airlines had previously implemented a similar ban on TikTok for the same reasons. As a federal contractor that works with various government agencies and carries federal employees on official travel, Southwest Airlines is required to adhere to the government’s guidance. TikTok has been inaccessible on the Southwest network since June 28, 2023. However, the Southwest Social Business and Insights Team will continue to use TikTok outside the airline’s network to communicate with customers.

According to the airline: “As a federal contractor we are required to adhere to this guidance and accordingly, TikTok will be inaccessible via the Southwest network beginning June 28, 2023.

“As the technology and regulatory landscape evolves, we will continue to evaluate our policies and procedures to uphold Southwest’s ongoing commitment to compliance and cybersecurity, safeguarding both our people and data.”

These bans by Delta and Southwest Airlines were prompted by an interim rule issued by the US Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This rule prohibits the use of TikTok and other ByteDance applications on devices used for official business by government contractors.

The US Government’s guidance on TikTok usage stemmed from the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” issued by the White House in February 2023. This act instructed agencies to remove TikTok from federal devices and restrict its use on devices used by certain state governments. Notably, personal phones not used for work-related tasks are exempt from this prohibition.

The bans primarily affect devices used for official business by government contractors and may not directly impact personal devices that are not used in the performance of a contract.

“This prohibition applies to devices regardless of whether the device is owned by the Government, the contractor, or the contractor’s employees (e.g., employee-owned devices that are used as part of an employer bring your own device (BYOD) programme).

“A personally-owned cell phone that is not used in the performance of the contract is not subject to the prohibition,” US Government’s guidance on TikTok stated.
PUNCH

News

BREAKING: CBN Withdraws Circular On Cyber Security Levy

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has withdrawn the circular directing banks and other financial institutions to implement the 0.5 per cent cyber security levy.

The withdrawal of the circular was announced via a statement signed by Haruna Mustafa, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Department and Chibuzo Efobi, Director, Payment System Management Department.

The circular stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria circular dated May 6, 2024 (Ref. PSMD/DIR/PUB/LAB/017/004) on the above subject refers. ‘

“Further to this, please be advised that the above referenced circular is hereby withdrawn.”

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Spokesperson, Ngelale, As Special Envoy On Climate Action

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has appointed his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, as Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

This was as he established a 25-person committee to oversee the country’s green economic initiatives.

“Ngelale will serve in this role as part of a larger Presidential Committee, to be chaired by the President,” the office of the secretary to the government of the federation revealed in a statement signed Sunday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

“Ngelale will retain his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity while serving on the committee,” it added.

The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu establishes a committee to oversee green economic initiatives, appoints Chief Ajuri Ngelale as special envoy on climate action.’

Imohsien said the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will “coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.”

“This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, provide an efficient governance architecture, and ensure that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action,” it further explained.

The new committee which has the President as its Chairman also includes the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal as its Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as its Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy.

Members are the CEOs of, InfraCorp, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo; National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Salisu Dahiru; Infrastructure Council Regulatory Commission, Mr. Michael Ohiani, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Aisha Rimi and National Social Investment Fund, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq.

The committee also consists of the CEOs of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Mr Yusuf Maina-Bukar, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Mustapha; Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu; CreditCorp, Uzoma Nwagba, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu Member, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi; CBN Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate) Mr Bala Bello; UN SE4ALL, Lolade Abiola; Member and an Adviser to the NCCC Adviser, Teni Majekodunmi.

Others are representatives of the Federal Ministries of FCT, Finance, Industry, Trade & Investment, Water Resources, and Agriculture & Food Security.

The committee also consists of representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The OSGF outlined eight objectives of the Presidential Committee. They are to:

“Identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil & non-gas climate action initiatives.

“Coordinate all activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with all relevant government, subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.

“Monitor, evaluate, and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.

“Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.

“Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen and

“Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the federal government.”

News

Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria With Two New Hotel Signings

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

By Tari Ayesinghan | Lagos

Hilton has announced the signing of two new hotels in Nigeria, Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu.

The move marks a significant expansion of the global hospitality company’s presence in the country.

Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will feature 176 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a conference room.

The hotel is located in the heart of Victoria Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will have 150 guest rooms and suites, a gym, and an outdoor pool.

The hotel is situated in the HELIU Health Tourism District & Residences, a new development that includes a hospital, shopping mall, and office park.

The two new hotels will join Hilton’s existing properties in Nigeria, Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The company has also announced plans to develop Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to announce the signing of Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu. These new signings reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and confidence in Nigeria as a dynamic and growing market.”

The new hotels are expected to provide guests with a unique and welcoming experience, with a focus on local culture and hospitality. Hilton Garden Inn Enugu is set to open in 2025, while Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island is expected to open in 2026.