Belgian police gain access to TikTok for youth communication

Local police forces in Belgium can now utilize the social media platform TikTok for communication, confirmed Interior Minister Bernard Quintin. Previously, the platform was restricted to investigative purposes only.

The decision allows police zones to share relevant messages with young people on critical issues such as alcohol and traffic safety, drug use, online security, and cybercrime prevention. "If we want to reach young people, we must also communicate through the channels they use," Quintin stated, emphasizing the need for safe and responsible usage.

Strict protocols are mandated to ensure data security. Personal data, operational information, and other police data are prohibited from being shared on the Chinese-owned platform. The TikTok app must be used on a separate, isolated device without access to the internal police network, and the account itself must remain completely segregated from the professional police environment.

Quintin noted that similar systems have proven effective in neighboring countries. Police services in the Netherlands and Germany are already actively using TikTok to inform and sensitize young people, thereby strengthening the bond between the police and the community.

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If we want to reach young people, we must also communicate through the channels they use.