TikTok Will Be Restricted on NEOMED's Wi-Fi Network

Effective Thursday, Feb. 2, use of TikTok on state-owned devices and Wi-Fi networks at NEOMED will be restricted.

As you may know, Gov. Mike DeWine issued an Executive Order Jan. 8, 2023, that says, “All State agencies, boards, and commissions shall prohibit the following on any state owned or state-leased device capable of accessing the internet: (i) the download and/or use of any social media application, channel, and platform that is owned by an entity located in China and (ii) accessing the website of any social media application, channel, and platform that is owned by an entity located in China.”

The order includes TikTok among other social media platforms that are owned by an entity located in China.

While Gov. DeWine’s order did not specifically include Ohio’s public universities, NEOMED has reviewed the security concerns that TikTok may pose to our network systems. We have also looked at NEOMED’s TikTok account engagement — it has less than 100 followers at this time.

With very little impact if removed, combined with an opportunity to reduce any uncertainty regarding security concerns, NEOMED has made the decision to implement the ban and discontinue its University-affiliated TikTok accounts.

The University appreciates your understanding of the concerns.