Prohibited Technologies and Covered Applications

On December 7, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott required all state agencies to ban the video-sharing application TikTok from all state-owned and state-issued devices and networks over the Chinese Communist Party's ability to use the application for surveilling Texans. Governor Abbott also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to develop a plan providing state agencies guidance on managing personal devices used to conduct state business. On February 14, 2023, The University of Texas Office of General Counsel issued The University of Texas System's Prohibited Technologies Security Policy (Prohibited Technology Policy"). Following the issuance of the Governor's directive and the Prohibited Technology Policy, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1893, which prohibits the use of covered applications on governmental entity devices.

For a list of prohibited software and hardware products, visit the TX DIR Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies website.

Effective June 14, 2023, Texas Government Code Chapter 620 requires all state agencies to prohibit the installation or use of covered applications on governmental entity devices, which include devices owned or leased by an institution of higher education. Covered applications are social media applications or services specified by proclamation of the governor under Texas Government Code, Section 620.005

Both the University of Texas System and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have implemented prohibited technology policies to comply with with the Governor's order and Texas Government Code Chapter 620.