US Universities Are Banning TikTok, Too

After several US states moved to ban TikTok, some universities have followed suit, preventing access to the media app on computers and WiFi networks out of concern that the app reports user data to the Chinese government.
Thus far, several universities in Oklahoma, Alabama and Georgia have blocked the app on campus computers and internet networks, though students can still access it on their phones. Oklahoma University, Auburn University and 26 public universities and colleges in Georgia have also reportedly been required to ban the app, according to Gizmodo, which originally reported the news.
These college campus bans seemingly or explicitly derive from state mandates to keep the app off state-owned devices. The University of Oklahoma cited an executive order from state Governor Kevin Stitt as reason for the ban in an emailed statement, additionally noting that “university-administered TikTok accounts must be deleted” in favor of accounts on other social media platforms. At least three other colleges and universities in Oklahoma have followed suit, according to local news station KOCO.
TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter expressed disappointment that states are jumping on political bandwagons based on “unfounded falsehoods about TikTok” and that the ban policies wouldn’t advance cybersecurity.
“We’re especially sorry to see the unintended consequences of these rushed policies beginning to impact universities’ ability to share information, recruit students, and build communities around athletic teams, student groups, campus publications, and more,” Oberwetter said.
The company is continuing to work with the US government to finalize a solution to secure TikTok’s platform and satisfy state and national security concerns, Oberwetter said.
Read more: TikTok Deal Faces More Delays Due to US Security Concerns