On Thursday morning, the University of Central Florida announced that popular social media platform TikTok would no longer be accessible on university-owned devices or networks.
“Experts and research have recently pointed to the possibility that foreign governments may use certain social media apps, websites, and platforms to collect user data and personal identifiers; exert influence over the recommendation algorithm; and compromise devices,” stated the University in an email sent to students and faculty.
The announcement follows an emergency regulation adopted by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System of Florida, on March 29. The regulation specifically prohibits the use of any software or applications that appear on a state-approved prohibited technologies list.
In addition to TikTok, the list includes Russian-owned digital security software, Kaspersky, and popular Chinese messaging app, WeChat.
TikTok, specifically, has received increased scrutiny from cybersecurity experts and legislators who believe the application’s ties to the Chinese government are cause for concern.
However, these concerns have done little to stem the use of the app, which according to TikTok, is currently being used by 150 million Americans.
