Restrictions on use of TikTok, WeChat and other applications and websites on VCU networks and devices

Effective July 1, 2023, the use of TikTok, WeChat, and other products from ByteDance, Ltd. or Tencent Holdings, Ltd. will not be permitted on networks used by VCU employees and contractors or on university-issued devices.

The university is taking this measure to comply with a new Virginia law that prohibits access to and use of apps or websites from the above entities on state-issued devices or on state-maintained networks. The Virginia General Assembly passed this law earlier in 2023, and the bill was signed by the governor in April. The restriction takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Restrictions set forth in the new law will impact the university community the following ways:

• Beginning July 1, access to these apps and websites will be restricted on all VCU and state-managed networks used by employees and contractors.
• TikTok, WeChat, etc. may not be used on any university-issued device, regardless of what network is being used at the time. Apps should be deleted from university-issued devices.
• VCU managed TikTok accounts, including any paid/sponsored content, such as those administered by colleges and departments, may not be used in any manner after July 1, 2023. Social media managers are advised not to delete accounts, but simply to stop using them - this will protect the accounts from being spoofed in the future.

The new law does not restrict the use of TikTok, WeChat, or any ByteDance or Tencent product on personally owned devices when connected to networks that are not maintained by state agencies including VCU. 

Users may still use TikTok and the other restricted apps for non-university use on personal phones or computers when connected through a personal cellular data plan, a home Wi-Fi network, or another privately managed network for non-university business purposes.

Employees and contractors who violate these new restrictions will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, as described in VCU’s Computer and Network Resource Use Policy

More information and answers to frequently asked questions about these legally-mandated app and website restrictions may be found at go.vcu.edu/apprestrictions

Additional resources:

SB 1459: Administration of state government; prohibited applications and websites (contains links to full-text versions of the new law and its legislative history)