Newly signed legislation means the popular TikTok app is now banned on WiFi networks at public universities in Tennessee, including University of Tennessee campuses.
Senate Bill 0834 (SB0834) and House Bill 1445 (HB1445) were signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 13th, prohibiting access to video platforms that are headquartered in China.
On February 22, Tennessee Senate Education Committee collected a unanimous vote to block access to TikTok and foreign-owned video apps on the state’s public college and university internet. It was then passed by the full Senate with a 28-1 vote and the House with an 80 – 11 vote.
In the Senate, the No votes came from Democrat Jeff Yarbro. Senators present but not voting included Democrat Senators Akbari, Lamar and Oliver.
In the House, the No votes again came from the Democrats with Representatives Beck, Camper, Clemmons, Glynn, Hakeem, Johnson G, Jones, Love, Miller, Parkinson and Towns voting against.
