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BISMARCK - The State Board of Higher Education has voted to rescind the North Dakota University System's prohibition on the use of TikTok on university-owned devices, following a review of updated federal actions, ownership changes involving the social media platform and current cybersecurity assessments.
The action aligns North Dakota University System policy with recent changes implemented after Gov. Kelly Armstrong rescinded the statewide executive branch ban on TikTok. The TikTok restriction was originally adopted in response to national security concerns related to the app's ownership by Chinese parent company ByteDance and the potential for unauthorized access to user data. Since then, TikTok's U.S. operations have been transferred to a new U.S.-based joint venture that is majority-owned by American investors and governed by a majority-American board of directors.
Board Chair Kevin Black, Minot, said the decision reflects changing circumstances and the university system's ongoing commitment to balancing security with access to communication and educational tools.
"The Board reviewed the latest information regarding TikTok's ownership structure and cybersecurity risk profile," Black said. "Based on those developments and the state's updated assessment, the Board determined that a systemwide ban is no longer necessary."
Under the revised policy, NDUS institutions may request access to TikTok on university-owned devices through established information technology review processes. Any requests must comply with applicable cybersecurity standards and institutional policies before approval is granted.
NDUS Chief Information Officer for NDUS and Core Technology Services (CTS) Corey Quirk said the university system will continue to evaluate applications and technology platforms to ensure the protection of institutional data and information resources.
"Cybersecurity remains a top priority for the North Dakota University System and Core Technology Services," Quirk said. "While the TikTok ban is being lifted, CTS and the NDUS institutions will continue to conduct rigorous security reviews and implement appropriate safeguards for all applications used on university-owned devices."
NDUS institutions will continue to monitor guidance from federal and state officials and implement additional safeguards as necessary. The policy change takes effect immediately.