Purdue University has blocked access to the TikTok app and website on campus Wi-Fi, citing concerns over cybersecurity risks to user data privacy, algorithmic censorship of free speech, and threats to national security. The move comes after a Purdue IT security audit and the terms of the app’s user agreements were scrutinized.
The block on TikTok is based on the app’s user agreement that allows wide access to phone data, including keystrokes, geolocation, and contacts. Purdue already took steps against TikTok earlier this year by banning the use of the app on university-owned devices and deleting accounts affiliated with the university.
The move by Purdue University comes amidst a tense national debate around the Chinese-owned social media. Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., from both major political parties held an intense hearing where they grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew over concerns about China’s influence over the social media, users’ privacy, and harmful content. Chew denied many of the Congress members’ claims and insisted that TikTok does not spy on U.S. users, collaborate with the Chinese government, or do anything that isn’t standard among U.S. social media companies.
This decision by Purdue University may prompt other higher education institutions to follow suit and block access to TikTok on their campuses, raising more questions about the future of the social media platform in the United States.
