Students are no longer able to access TikTok on Purdue campus Wi-Fi

Margaret Christopherson, Lafayette Journal & Courier
·2 min read
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Journal & Courier received reports from Purdue University students concerned that they were not able to access TikTok or Netflix on their devices when using university Wi-Fi Tuesday.

A screenshot provided by a Purdue University student which reads "No internet connection. Tap to retry." on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
A screenshot provided by a Purdue University student which reads "No internet connection. Tap to retry." on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

In January, Purdue announced that it had banned the use of TikTok on university devices, which led to Purdue deleting its central campus account @LifeAtPurdue from the TikTok platform.

Although at the time of Purdue's decision, it only affected TikTok accounts related to the institution and did not affect students' or faculty members’ ability to access the app via the school's Wi-Fi networks.

Students noted that they were able to access TikTok via the university's Wi-Fi prior to leaving campus for spring break, but Monday night students noticed they were no longer able to access TikTok or Netflix apps via their own devices when using university Wi-Fi, only accessing them when using cellular data.

"As a next step to address concerns about cybersecurity risks to user data privacy, algorithmic censorship of free speech, and threats to national security — all as recognized by the U.S. federal government — Purdue has begun blocking access to TikTok.com and the usage of the TikTok mobile app across Purdue networks," Trevor Peters, senior communications specialist for Purdue, 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 — and the need, based on Purdue IT security audit, to provide further protection for Purdue University systems. This move does not cover non-Purdue cellular, home or public Wi-Fi."

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday, March 23, 2023 in Washington. The social media company has come under scrutiny for its data collection and privacy practices.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday, March 23, 2023 in Washington. The social media company has come under scrutiny for its data collection and privacy practices.

Regarding the difficulties accessing Netflix, Peters stated that he is "unaware of any (similar) action on Netflix."

However, a 2019 article from the J&C might have an answer for this. In February 2019, Purdue blocked Netflix, Hulu and gaming sites in all classrooms. Whether or not accessing Netflix outside of classrooms is an issue is currently unknown.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: TikTok blocked when using campus Wi-Fi