News and Announcements

TikTok on University Owned Devices

Posted: 2023-02-14 13:34:24   Expiration: 2023-02-21 13:34:24

Disclaimer: This news item was originally posted on 2023-02-14 13:34:24. Its content may no longer be timely or accurate.

All UW campuses have been instructed to remove any installation of the TikTok application from university-owned devices, including cell phones and tablets by Friday, Feb. 17th, 2023.

TikTok Removal

In recent weeks, UW System Administration, chancellors, and campus technology and communications leads have been in robust conversation about cybersecurity in general, and more specifically about the TikTok app. We have learned much about the very real risks to national, state and institutional cybersecurity – and just as importantly, the risks to our personal information security. 

All UW campuses have been instructed to remove any installation of the TikTok application from university-owned devices, including cell phones and tablets by Friday, Feb. 17. 

Complying with this expectation requires two efforts on our part: 

  1. Beginning on Thursday, February 16th, LIT will remove the app automatically when possible or will contact individuals directly to arrange for removal.  

  1. If you have the TikTok app on a university owned device, you will need to remove the app by the end of the day on Friday, February 17th. Contact the Technology Help Desk if you need assistance removing the app. 

  1. Beginning Friday, February 17th, LIT will implement a technical solution which will block the future use of TikTok on Stout managed devices. 

While we are only addressing university-owned devices with these actions, we urge everyone to learn more about the security risks in having the app installed on any device. This includes personal devices where we enter and view sensitive information, such as logins/passwords, and financial or medical information. You can find more information on the following article from the Center for Internet Security: Why TikTok is the Latest Security Threat. We are grateful to everyone for taking cybersecurity seriously. 

If you use TikTok as a part of your work responsibilities and have any questions, please share them with Michael Huggins, hugginsm@uwstout.edu in MarCom. Please see the following Q/A’s below. We do not have every answer at this time but will continue to learn more in the coming weeks. 

Question / Answers

Q: Why is the TikTok application being banned from university devices? 

A: The directive from President Rothman is a response to Gov. Evers’ executive order #184 and state lawmakers’ concerns about cybersecurity. 

Q: When does the ban take effect? 

A: At the close of business on February 17, 2023. 

Q: Does this mean that TikTok is banned from university networks? 

A: No. The directive only prohibits the management of TikTok using the app on System-owned and university-owned devices. 

Q: Can I still manage a TikTok account on behalf of my department/unit/etc.? 

Yes. The UW System directive does not ban institutions from managing official accounts. The directive only prohibits the management of TikTok using the app on System-owned and university-owned devices. 

Q: Can I still use my work computer, tablet or other work device to manage a TikTok account? 

A: Only if you use an internet browser. The directive prohibits the management of TikTok using the app on System-owned and university-owned devices. 

Q: Can I advertise on TikTok? 

A: Yes. The UW System directive does not ban institutions from directly advertising on TikTok, or indirectly through a vendor. The directive only prohibits the management of TikTok using the app on System-owned and university-owned devices. 

Q: What will happen next? 

A: UW System has convened a working group with representation from each university to review how institutions are using TikTok, and whether further restrictions should be implemented. 

-- UW Stout
KnowledgeBase: Heidi Catlin