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.
-
Small business director goes door-to-door to help local entrepreneurs succeed
In a neighborhood where longtime business owners have weathered decades of change, a new grassroots push is working to ensure small businesses and residents not only stay, but thrive.Franklin Township councilors will vote Monday on Google Data Center hearing
On Monday night, the Indianapolis City-County Council will vote on whether to hold a final public hearing for a proposed Google Data Center in Franklin Township.Hamilton County’s new trail system connects 4 cities, Here’s how to ride it
Cyclists, walkers, and runners in Hamilton County can now travel between Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, and Fishers without ever sharing the road with a car.World War II training plane takes flight over Monroe County
If you're in Bloomington or Monroe County, keep your eyes on the sky this weekend. There's a good chance you could see a plane that helped train service members during World War II.