Security minister Tom Tugendhat has raised concerns over how young people use TikTok as a source of news.

Mr Tugendhat has warned “challenges” could be created if China declares the platform’s algorithms a national security asset.

Using a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank, the minister stressed: “We shouldn’t be having them triggered by outside forces and a hidden hand. For too long foreign interference has been slowly creeping into British democracy.”

Mr Tugendhat said the most pressing issues for Government are the “acute threats”.

But he raised the alarm about a growing number of young people getting their news from TikTok.

He added: “The influence of social media platforms on our younger generations here in the UK and around the world is pervasive. The contents on these platforms will influence minds.

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“Yet it’s worth noting that foreign states hold considerable sway over the algorithms that are the editor on these sources. The challenge for a free country like ours is how we manage this debate.”

He was asked if he believes the Chinese state uses TikTok as a tool.

Mr Tugendhat added: “The reality is there are many different platforms around, TikTok is one of them, and the reality is editorial control is exercised by algorithms that are programmed by individuals.

“The idea that these are some neutral actors scientifically controlled editorial decisions, they’re not, they’re chosen. They’re just chosen by someone who has programmed them in advance rather than somebody who’s decided whether to run your news story or somebody else’s news story.

“Whether or not these sources are being used to influence or shape debate today, may not be the question. The truth is the bridge is being built and what’s crossing it is yet to be worked out.”