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Home / News / Education / Higher Ed
Order comes after governor, citing security threat, bans app’s usage on state computers, phones
Dec. 23, 2022 2:19 pm, Updated: Dec. 23, 2022 4:29 pm
IOWA CITY — On Dec. 13, “the official TikTok account of the University of Iowa” put out a video asking students across campus how they felt about finals — and what was getting them through.
“Sleep,” one student said, glancing over at the camera, “and caffeine.”
That was the last video posted on the UI account, given Gov. Kim Reynolds that day banned TikTok on all “state-owned devices” and barred state agencies from subscribing to or owning a TikTok account.
Following the governor’s order, Board of Regents President Mike Richards issued a statement clarifying what the ban meant for Iowa’s three public universities — which the regents govern.
First, he said, the universities should remove the TikTok software application from “all electronic devices that are owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the institution” and prevent the installation of TikTok on those devices.
He also said the universities should “cease the creation, posting and active management of content on all TikTok accounts owned or controlled by the institution.”
“This directive is effective immediately and shall remain in effect continuously unless otherwise modified or rescinded by the president of the Board of Regents,” according to Richards’ statement.
In an Iowa State University news bulletin on the ban, officials noted ISU employees still can access TikTok on personal devices, “even if connected through the university Wi-Fi network.”
“But it cannot be for business purposes,” according to ISU News Service. “The board guidance does not apply to student organizations.”
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The UI has an official TikTok account with 52,800 followers and 381 videos dating back to its first post in August 2020, announcing, “The black and gold has arrived. Go Hawks!”
The University of Northern Iowa also has an official TikTok account with 5,600 followers and 114 videos dating back to January 2022. And both the UI and Iowa State University Athletics have official TikTok accounts.
The Cyclone Athletics version, dating back to 2019, has 116,100 followers and last posted Dec. 13 — a video recapping 2022 that amassed 15,500 views.
The Hawkeye Athletics account, dating back to 2021, has 49,000 followers and last posted Dec. 7 — a video mocking a TikTok the ISU’s women’s basketball team put out before playing the Hawkeyes in Iowa City.
In explaining her state agency TikTok ban, Reynolds said the social media site and software represent “a national security risk to our country.”
“I refuse to subject the citizens of Iowa to that risk,” she said in a statement. “They trust us with their personal and confidential information, and we will take every step possible to protect it, including from the Chinese government. The safety of Iowans is my No. 1 priority and that includes their cybersecurity.”
The governor’s move followed similar bans in other states and proposed legislation before the U.S. Congress to ban TikTok on all federally owned or operated devices.
The UI, ISU, and UNI all maintain numerous official accounts on other social media sites — including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.
And UI, ISU, and UNI fraternities and sororities with TikTok accounts remain active, with UI’s Chi Omega chapter posting Dec. 22, for example.
Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.
Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com
Higher education reporter, The Gazette
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