Georgia is joining the growing list of states banning TikTok from state-owned phones and laptops, according to a new memo issued by Gov. Kemp Thursday. Kemp is among at least 15 other governors taking the action. Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to bar federal employees from using TikTok. It follows allegations that the platform, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, can track and store personal information that can accessed by the Chinese government. Kemp’s memo says information has come to light exposing the depth of the involvement of the Chinese Community Party in TikTok and the ability of that government to influence content selection. The ban also includes WeChat, which is owned Tencent Holdings, another Chinese company, and Telegram, which was founded in Russia but is now headquartered in Dubai. At this time, the ban will not apply to Georgia public universities.
A newly elected member of the Georgia House has been arrested after authorities say he burglarized a residence at a Winder retirement complex he has reportedly managed for 38 years. 67 year old Daniel Rampey of Statham was arrested at Magnolia Estates of Winder Assisted Living Center. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office says an investigation began after they received information about suspicious activity involving missing medications. Currently, Rampey is charged with the distribution or possession of a controlled substance, burglary, and exploitation of a disabled adult. Rampey was elected unopposed in November to represent house district 116. According to his campaign website, Rampey and his family own a chain of person care homes in northeast Georgia.
