Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently  directed state agencies to block TikTok on all state-owned and state-operated devices. The order is intended to minimize information security risks to state agencies related to use of the social media platform. This means that, effective immediately, the downloading or use of TikTok on any UTMB network or UTMB-owned device, including computers and tablets, is prohibited. This applies to faculty, staff, students, contractors and volunteers.

In addition, any departments that are using TikTok accounts for official UTMB business purposes, including education or community outreach, should contact the Office of Strategy and Communications—Digital Communications at social@utmb.edu to discuss necessary steps to comply with the Governor’s order. (Please include “TikTok” in the subject line.)

We understand that this may be an inconvenience for some of our community members who use TikTok for personal or professional purposes. However, it is essential that we follow the Governor’s order and support efforts to protect the state’s information resources.

Over the coming days and weeks several technical measures will be taken to ensure that we comply with this order. As these changes occur, the Office of Information Security will provide updates and assistance to our campus community to ensure a smooth transition to meeting these requirements. In the meantime, please refrain from downloading or accessing TikTok on your UTMB devices. If you have already downloaded TikTok, please remove it from any UTMB-owned device.

If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please do not hesitate to contact the ITS Service Desk for assistance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Charles P. Mouton, MD, MS, MBA

President ad interim

Executive Provost and Executive Dean

Thomas N. and Gleaves T. James Distinguished Chair