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.
-
House fire displaces family in Noblesville
A family is displaced after a house fire in Noblesville Tuesday morning. An adult male sustained injuries but refused transport to the hospital. An adult female was uninjured.
Jury Selection for Herman Whitfield III trial complete; Trial begins Monday
The jury has been seated for two IMPD officers in the case of Herman Whitfield III on Tuesday, over two years after he died in police custody.
Noblesville schools cancelled Tuesday following threat; Student arrested
A seventh-grade student was arrested after making threats of violence to Noblesville East Middle School on Tuesday.
Move-in day for newest housing development for Indy's unhoused
WRTV’s Amber Grigley was at the Compass on Washington, a housing development through Horizon House, as people experiencing homelessness got their keys to open a new chapter.
