The Universities of Texas have blocked access to the video-sharing app TikTok on its Wi-Fi and wired networks in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent directive requiring all state agencies to remove the app from government-issued devices, according to an email sent to students earlier this week.
However, as per a report by New York Post, the students are allowed to carry guns under state law. Texas “campus carry” laws permit the students to carry concealed handguns on campus, including in classrooms.
By banning access to the app through campus Wi-Fi, the IP address associated with TikTok will be blocked. However, it can still be accessed on students’ personal phones through cellular data.
"Texas universities block access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization.
Jeff Neyland, a technology strategy advisor to UT Austin’s president, cited a December directive by Govenor Greg Abbott (R) banning TikTok from government-issued devices.
The Texas university has said that the move to ban the app inside campus will “eliminate risks to information contained in the university’s network and to our critical infrastructure.”
