Clemson University is moving to block access to TikTok across its campus network, citing mounting data privacy concerns. The ban will take effect on July 10th, which will render the popular social media app inaccessible to faculty, students, staff, and visitors on both the wired network and the Eduroam Wi-Fi service.
[The measure aims to] protect institutional resources and information and safeguard the privacy of a wide variety of devices connected to the Clemson network.Clemson University
The move reflects a growing trend among higher education institutions to regulate the use of social media platforms due to concerns over data privacy and national security.
Not Only Clemson
Clemson University is not alone in its stance on TikTok. This Chinese app has been banned from several other colleges across South Carolina, including Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, in May and March, respectively.
In addition, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster barred the use of TikTok on state government devices last year.
McMaster’s decision was influenced by national security officials and federal law enforcement warnings that TikTok could pose a “clear and present danger” to its users. However, TikTok’s growing infamy is not confined to South Carolina.
Currently, at least 34 states have imposed similar bans on government-issued devices.
Moreover, Montana has even gone so far as to ban the app entirely. The state’s governor signed legislation in May, making it the first state to prohibit application stores from offering TikTok by 2024.
The Growing Apprehension
The proliferation of bans nationwide reflects growing apprehension over TikTok’s alleged data harvesting practices. Reports from different media houses suggest that the app has been collecting sensitive information from its U.S. users and potentially sharing it with the Chinese government.
While many universities and state governments are choosing to ban TikTok, the company has repeatedly denied allegations that it poses any threat to national security or individual privacy.
Some of them have also reported concerns over China’s ability to disseminate propaganda to American users through the app. This has further contributed to the rising tide of bans across the nation.
Despite requests, Clemson University has yet to comment further on its decision to block access to the app on its campus network.
However, their stance aligns with a clear pattern of caution by educational institutions and government bodies toward the use of TikTok.
As concerns over data privacy persist, it is anticipated that similar policies will continue to emerge at campuses and organizations across the nation.
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