TikTok Use Guidance at the University of Utah
Overview
To align with federal cybersecurity directives, the University of Utah Research Security Office is implementing restrictions on the use of TikTok and derivative applications on university-owned and certain personal devices used for university business.
This ban applies only to employees, students, faculty that interact with federal contract-related data including, but not limited to, technical reports, proposals, or research data.
Prohibited Use
- TikTok may not be installed or accessed on any university-owned devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, or desktops that interact with federal contract-related data.
- TikTok may not be accessed via web browsers on university-owned devices that interact with federal contract-related data.
- Personal devices used to access federal contract-related data must not have TikTok installed or accessed via browser.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-23-13, directing all federal agencies to remove TikTok from government devices. OMB has determined TikTok, owned by ByteDance Ltd., poses potential cybersecurity risks due to Chinese national security laws that may compel data sharing with the Chinese government.
- Faculty, staff, and students working on federal contracts or accessing sensitive technical data.
- Administrators and support personnel who handle proposal documents or federal reporting systems.
- Remove TikTok from any device used for university business involving federal contracts.
- Avoid accessing TikTok via browser on such devices.
- Consult with the Research Security Office if you're unsure whether your work involves restricted data.