Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has implemented a restriction policy whereby no university-owned networks or devices may access websites and social media platforms that pose specific state and national threats to create a secure atmosphere for students and staff. This comes after the Florida Board of Governors unanimously passed an emergency amendment to Regulation 3.0075 – Security of Data and Related Information Technology Resources – now prohibiting the access of popular apps like TikTok, WeChat, Kaspersky, VKontakte, and Tencent QQ on university networks and devices. The University of South Florida also implemented this security measure to ensure safer online experiences for all.
Addyson McCullough, a first-year journalism student, is proud of Florida Gulf Coast University’s decision to restrict access to TikTok and four other websites and apps for students and staff on university devices or networks. She believes this will help people focus on their studies on campus. Despite recently deleting her TikTok account due to concerns about its use of personal data, she thinks it’s important to step away from the app and recognize how dependent people have become.
USF Announces Ban on Five Applications
The University of South Florida announced its new policy banning the five applications TikTok, WeChat, Kaspersky, VKontakte, and Tencent QQ on-campus Wi-Fi networks and university devices. Chancellor Ray Rodrigues believes this ban will ensure a safer and more secure environment for students and staff. To access these applications, individuals must use their cell phone data. Despite the initial shock from some students, the University stands by its decision as it strives to create a better online experience for all.
State University System Prohibited Technologies List
FGCU is proud to comply with the statewide directive to protect student and employee data, intellectual property, and university systems. Last week, the Florida Board of Governors approved an emergency amendment to Regulation 3.0075, also known as Security of Data and Related Information Technology Resources. This prevents university-owned devices and networks from accessing websites and social media platforms that pose state and national cybersecurity concerns. The State University System Prohibited Technologies List includes TikTok, WeChat, Kaspersky, VKontakte, Tencent QQ, and any supporting or affiliates.
Renowned Global Companies
Tencent QQ
– Instant Messaging, Gaming, Music, Shopping, Blogging, and Streaming Service
WeChat
– Free Messaging and Calling App
VKontakte
– Social Media and Networking App
Kaspersky
– Cybersecurity and Anti-Virus Provider
Tencent QQ, WeChat, VKontakte, and Kaspersky are renowned global companies. WeChat is a Chinese-owned free messaging and calling app; Kaspersky is a Russian-owned cybersecurity and anti-virus provider; VKontakte is a Russian-owned social media and networking app; and Tencent QQ is a Chinese-owned instant messaging, gaming, music, shopping, blogging, and streaming service. These companies have achieved remarkable success in their respective industries and have become household names worldwide.
The efforts of FGCU, the University of South Florida, and the Florida Board of Governors have to ensure student and employee data, intellectual property, and university systems remain secure. In light of this, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of South Florida have decided to introduce a ban on the five applications, TikTok, WeChat, Kaspersky, VKontakte, and Tencent QQ, from being accessed from on-university devices or local networks. This policy shows the determination these universities have to maintain the security measures for their students and staff in mind, along with recognizing how reliant people have become on these platforms within more recent years. Ultimately, this protects & preserves students’ and staff’s privacy while keeping them safe inside university grounds moving forward.
