For nearly two years, TikTok has been inaccessible on Morgan State University’s Wi-Fi networks. This happened after former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued an emergency cybersecurity directive that prohibited the use of certain products and platforms, including TikTok, on state devices and networks Dec. 21, 2022.
Somehow — without the awareness of Morgan’s administration — the app again became accessible to mobile devices connected to Morgan’s Wi-Fi during spring 2024.
Several members of the Spokesman’s staff have tested and verified this access — they have ensured their mobile devices were connected to Morgan’s Wi-Fi networks and have browsed the app multiple times since May 2024. However, the app and website remains inaccessible when connected to university-provided internet via any laptop or desktop computer.
Larry Jones, the assistant vice president of public relations and strategic communication, has been the official spokesperson for all matters regarding TikTok access on university networks and devices. He provided clarity on the matter in a recent email.
“To date, the State of Maryland has not abandoned or repealed that directive, and Morgan will continue to abide by that emergency directive until the time comes when we are given leave by the State of Maryland to do other otherwise. However, while the University had implemented measures to block all TikTok traffic on all University networks, per the directive … further in-depth analysis revealed that TikTok had begun circumventing these blocks by delivering its video and data contents through affiliate CDNs (Content Delivery Networks).”
Essentially, TikTok became accessible again because the app developers found a way around the digital blockades Morgan State had constructed. As Hogan was the governor who issued the initial directive and is no longer Maryland’s governor — does his directive still stand?
The former governor left office Jan. 18, 2023 — just weeks after establishing the cyber security directive. When Moore, Maryland’s current governor, took office — Hogan’s emergency directive was removed from the governor’s official website. Today, the only readily-available copy of the order is on the Internet Archive.
Moreover, other Maryland universities are not following the directive Hogan issued in December 2022 — and possibly, never did.
Many of Maryland’s universities fall under the University System of Maryland (USM) — University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Coppin State University, and many others. According to USM spokesperson Cara McCandless, the chief of higher education division in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, Katherine Bainbridge, shared the following guidance on Aug. 14, 2024.
“There are currently no restrictions regarding usage of TikTok on state-owned devices. Former Governor Hogan issued an order banning such usage, but Governor Moore has not done so; thus, there is no current executive order in effect in Maryland.”
Freshman Finance Major Muneerah Raji said that TikTok access returning to Morgan’s Wi-Fi may have a positive effect.
“TikTok is a great way for students to interact with other students, it’ll be useful for orgs and to bring more students together,” said Raji.
The reappearance of TikTok on Morgan’s campus happened on the heels of recent federal legislation regarding the app. The U.S. Congress and Senate approved a law to ban the app nationally, which U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law on April 24, 2024. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, stands to ban Tiktok unless ByteDance, its parent company, sells the app to an American competitor within the next year.
Junior multiplatform production major, Olajumoke Oni said she was surprised to find the app was again accessible.
“I wouldn’t know because, like I said, they banned it such a long time ago,” Oni said. “I already conditioned myself that Morgan State and TikTok don’t mix.”
With TikTok’s silent return to campus, some students are unsure how it will affect Morgan’s image. Senior Journalism Major Sydni Demby is one of many students who wasn’t aware of their ability to access TikTok until recently.
“I think the app being unblocked can be negative for the school. Since students are able to use the app on campus, that means if anything bad happens on campus — like fights for example — this can cause a negative impact on the school’s viewpoint or perspective,” said Demby.
Lillian Stephens contributed to this article.
