Several U.S. states have implemented bans on the use of TikTok, primarily on state-owned devices and networks for employees and within universities, citing cybersecurity and national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence. These restrictions aim to prevent sensitive government data from being accessed or compromised through the popular social media application.
States with TikTok Restrictions on Government and University Devices
As of the dates specified, the following states have enacted bans on TikTok for their state government employees and/or university systems:
| State | Date of Ban Implementation |
|---|---|
| Montana | December 16, 2022 |
| Nebraska | August 12, 2020 |
| Nevada | March 28, 2023 |
| New Hampshire | December 15, 2022 |
These bans typically apply to devices connected to state networks or devices issued by state agencies and public universities. The rationale behind these measures often revolves around the app's ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company, and fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Such actions reflect a broader national discussion about data security and foreign technology influence in the United States.
For a comprehensive overview of various restrictions and legislative efforts concerning TikTok in the United States, you can refer to information available on Restrictions on TikTok in the United States.
