Gov. Greg Abbott bans TikTok on government-owned computers and devices

Governor Greg Abbott issued a ban on TikTok on all government-owned computers and devices in a letter to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan Dec. 7. The ban effects all state officials including UHCL staff, faculty and student workers.

Public universities are also subject to this ban since they qualify as state institutions. The ban applies to all UHCL departments including Hunter Hall, Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, New Student Orientation and Undergrad Admissions. 

“TikTok harvests vast amounts of data from its users’ devices—including when, where, and how they conduct Internet activity—and offers this trove of potentially sensitive information to the Chinese government,” Abbott’s letter stated.

Governors from South Dakota, South Carolina and Maryland have already banned TikTok from government-issued devices.

Each Texas state agency has until February 15, 2023, to implement its own policy governing the use of TikTok on personal devices, subject to approval by the Department of Public Safety Cyber Security division.