Gov. Abbott approaches 'statewide restriction' of TikTok

AUSTIN (Nexstar) - - Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday launched new requirements for state firms in a "statewide design security strategy" that restricts the Chinese social networks app TikTok on state-issued devices or networks.

Gov. Abbott already prohibited the app on state-issued gadgets and at public universities in December. This plan does not appear to significantly broaden the ban currently in location and only applies to state employees, professionals, and "devices utilized to conduct state company."

" The security dangers related to the use of TikTok on devices utilized to carry out the important business of our state need to not be undervalued or disregarded," Gov. Abbott said. "It is important that state companies and workers are secured from the vulnerabilities presented by the use of this app and other prohibited innovations as they deal with behalf of their fellow Texans."

Agencies are needed to limit their devices' access to app shops, avoid unauthorized app downloads, and have the ability to remotely clean devices.

Workers are restricted from performing state company on any gadget that has the capability to access TikTok or other prohibited apps. State organization includes "accessing any state-owned information, applications, email accounts, or non-public dealing with communications," according to the strategy.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Information Resources drafted the plan as a guide for state companies to manage and carry out the restriction info on state-issued devices. Each firm needs to submit their plan to impose the requirements by Feb. 15, and the Governor's Office said they were warned of those requirements in December.

This is an ongoing report.