INDIANAPOLIS — Purdue University has blocked access to TikTok on the university’s WiFi network.
This block means that students, staff and visitors will not be able to access the social media app while using the school’s WiFi network. People on the campus will still be able to access TikTok while using non-university WiFi or their cellular data plan.
Purdue stated that this decision was due to concerns about cybersecurity risks to user data privacy, threats to national security and algorithmic censorship of free speech.
“Purdue has begun blocking access to TikTok and the usage of the TikTok mobile app across Purdue networks,” Trevor Peters, Purdue’s Senior Communication Specialist, said. “This step is based on TikTok’s overly invasive privacy and use agreements that allow for significant access to phone data, such as keystrokes, geolocation and contacts.”
This decision comes one week after TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testified on Capitol Hill about the app’s ability to keep user data safe.
PREVIOUS | How big of a threat TikTok actually poses amid Capitol Hill hearing (wrtv.com)
The campus announced in Jan. that it would be banning TikTok on all institutional accounts and devices.
-
Chances for showers and storms return on Thursday evening
A break from rain continues into Wednesday and most of Thursday. Isolated chances of rain are possible later on in the day.
Frankton police officer loses home in fire four years after losing daughter
A large fire destroyed a Frankton Police Officer’s home in Bunker Hill on July 6. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal, but no foul play is suspected.ISP: Woman charged with multiple offenses after driving drunk with child in car
A northern Indiana woman faces several drug charges after operating while intoxicated with a child in the car, police said Tuesday.
Garth Brooks to kick off arena tour with back-to-back Indianapolis shows
Gainbridge Fieldhouse announced Monday that Brooks’ “Blame It All On My Roots Tour” will launch with back-to-back shows at Gainbridge on Aug. 21 and 22.