Is Tiktok Getting Banned In Texas 2023

Reuters

Texas Lawmakers Vote on TikTok Ban in National Security Package

Bipartisan Support for Ban on Chinese-Owned Social Media App

Austin, Texas (February 6, 2023)

Governor Greg Abbott announced a statewide model security policy that requires state agencies to implement bans on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok by February 15, 2023. The announcement comes after Texas legislators voted on a TikTok ban as part of a $95 billion national security package.

The TikTok ban has been met with bipartisan support, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing concerns about the app's potential for national security risks. The app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been accused of collecting user data and sharing it with the Chinese government.

In response to the ban, public universities across Texas have already blocked access to TikTok on their Wi-Fi networks. It is unclear whether the ban will be extended to private businesses and individuals at this time.

A federal judge has upheld the state's ban on state employees using TikTok on government devices. The ban was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which argued that it violated the First Amendment rights of state employees.

The Texas Tribune