Sharing surf was an event: the application on the business phone of the Norwegian minister created a crisis
In Norway, which is one of the most peaceful and happy countries in the world and known for having an equal distribution of income compared to other countries in the world, the agenda is the country’s young justice minister, Emilie Enger Mehl.
The minister, born in 1993, who was on the country’s agenda by sharing photos and videos taken on social networks during his vacation in Italy last summer, once again caused controversy. In Norwegian press news, it was claimed that an inappropriate social media platform was downloaded on the phone given to the 29-year-old labor minister.
The app on Mehl’s business phone was claimed to be TikTok, which belongs to China-based company Bytedance. While the release of the mobile phone app sparked controversy in the Norwegian public and politics, opposition parties also announced that Mehl acted irresponsibly.
Speaking to TV2, Mehl said: “Since this discussion began, I have responded openly and honestly. I use TikTok wisely. But I am also aware that the information here may be used inappropriately.” Mehl also claimed that 1.2 million Norwegians use TikTok. In his statement, Mehl also claimed that he removed this app from his work phone and used it on his personal phone.
Norwegian politics had argued that Mehl, who was vacationing in Italy over the summer, should not wear a life jacket.
The reaction to Mehl, who admitted to using the app for only one month during his ministry, came from the Conservative Party and the FRP. Both parties stated that trust in Mehl had diminished.
Known as the biggest competitor to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, TikTok is run by the Chinese company Bytedance. Recently, there has been an increase in allegations that TikTok data has been shared with Chinese authorities.
DISCUSSION CREATED IN SURF PHOTOS
Mehl shared photos and videos taken while on vacation in Italy over the summer. This shot of Mehl, who was seen paddling a surfboard in a bikini in the Mediterranean in one of the photos, sparked a backlash from the opposition.
The opposition said this was against the law, saying Mehl was “using the surfboard without a life jacket”. The opposition, which said Mehl set a bad example as justice minister, received a gushing response from the young politician.
Mehl had said that no laws had been broken and that the photo was taken in Italy. Mehl said: “These photos were taken while I was on vacation in Italy and I was swimming with my friends and having a good time. I have always followed the local rules and prohibitions, ”he said. The Norwegian cabinet also sent messages of support to the young minister.