SB 376: Banning TikTok from State-Owned Networks and Devices
Overview Resources
- When Could TikTok be Banned and Could Trump Save It?
- Where is TikTok Banned?
- Pennsylvania General Assembly bill page: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb376
- Bill text summary: https://legiscan.com/PA/bill/SB376/2025
Big Concept Resources
- First Amendment: National Security
- State cybersecurity and digital security policy context: Pennsylvania SB376 bill page
- Memo subject/background: Banning TikTok from State-Owned Networks and Devices
Pros
- Why TikTok is the Latest Security Threat
- Treasurer Stacy Garrity Bans TikTok
- State agencies can reduce cybersecurity and data privacy risks by restricting applications that may collect sensitive information or create security vulnerabilities.
- The bill gives the Commonwealth clearer authority to manage technology on state-owned devices and networks.
- Supporters may argue it helps prevent foreign-access concerns tied to certain apps that have already drawn national security scrutiny.
- https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2023/02/white-house-officially-ban-tiktok-government-devices-within-30-days/383407/
Cons
- Lawmakers say TikTok is a national security threat, but evidence remains unclear
- The bill could be criticized as too broad if it blocks apps without individualized evidence of risk.
- It may limit employee access to useful communication or productivity tools on state systems.
- Opponents may argue that security concerns should be addressed through agency-by-agency technology policy rather than a statewide prohibition.
- https://www.cfr.org/articles/why-tiktok-ban-harms-us-interests-home-and-abroad
- https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-tiktok-ban-that-wasnt/
