Oklahoma Universities Ban TikTok On Networks Following Gov. Stitt's Executive Order

Some college students in the state will no longer be able to use TikTok on university networks. 

OU, OSU, UCO and Northwestern have all notified students and employees that the popular social media app will be blocked on university networks and devices in compliance with the governor's executive order.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order earlier this month “banning TikTok for state government agencies, employees and contractors on government networks or government-issued devices, including state-issued cell phones, computers, or any other device capable of internet connectivity.”

This order also applies to universities in the state.

Oklahoma State University told News 9 in a statement: "The order prohibits employees of the State of Oklahoma from downloading or using the TikTok app on state-issued devices or networks and requires state networks to blacklist TikTok."

The University of Oklahoma in a statement today said: “Effective immediately, no University employee or student shall access the TikTok application or website on University-owned or operated devices, including OU wired and wireless networks.”

The University of Central Oklahoma sent an email to students saying: “University Communications recommends that existing university TikTok accounts be deactivated or deleted. New accounts should not be created.”

In a statement, Gov. Stitt said:

“Maintaining the cybersecurity of state government is necessary to continue to serve and protect Oklahoma citizens and we will not participate in helping the Chinese Communist Party gain access to government information,” said Governor Stitt."

Full statement from the University of Oklahoma:

"In compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2022-33, effective immediately, no University employee or student shall access the TikTok application or website on University-owned or operated devices, including OU wired and wireless networks. As a result of the Executive Order, access to the TikTok platform will be blocked and cannot be accessed from the campus network. University-administered TikTok accounts must be deleted and alternate social media platforms utilized in their place. The Executive Order cites ongoing national and cybersecurity concerns with the TikTok application."

Full Statement from Oklahoma State University: 

"On Dec. 8, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2022-33. The order prohibits employees of the State of Oklahoma from downloading or using the TikTok app on state-issued devices or networks and requires state networks to blacklist TikTok. In compliance with this Order, OSU will block access to TikTok on its wired and wireless networks, effective 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 22. The ban will be implemented after grading submissions are closed so that the network is not disrupted. OSU employees may not use OSU-issued devices to access TikTok. The Executive Order does not prohibit individuals from using personal devices and/or personal cellular data or networks to access TikTok. Additional information will be provided for employees when campus reopens after the holiday break."

In a press release from the governor's office on Dec. 8:

"Governor Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2022-33 today banning TikTok for state government agencies, employees and contractors on government networks or government-issued devices, including state-issued cellphones, computers, or any other device capable of internet connectivity. This executive order is in response to ongoing national and cybersecurity threats created by TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, and dissemination of users information within the Chinese Communist Party.”

Governor Stitt’s executive order can be read in full here.