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UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

texastribune.org

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Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#201

Post by kerpotgh »

filoleg wrote: post #147
tarotuser wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can say "Use a VPN"... However on multiple VPN providers, Tiktok blocks those endpoints. Instead of the Tiktok feed, you get a rude 403 error for any page. Tiktok really REALLY wants to know your real IP address. (edit: this comment pertains to the web page through a browser, not the Tiktok app. I did not test the app+vpn.)

Luckily, a good number of modern home routers support a one-click easy host-your-own-VPN feature. I have an Amplifi router, and i simply linked my phone to it once, and now I can toggle a VPN on my phone with just one click whenever I need it (just like any third-party VPN service), and it will route the connection through my home network. No complicated setup, the entire first-time setup took a grand total of 2 minu…

What’s the point of this? Isn’t it still your own IP address?

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#203

Post by kerpotgh »

snapcaster wrote: post #59
Aaronstotle wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why should the US allow the CCP to have free rein over user's data when the CCP bans US Tech companies from operating in China for the same reason?

Why should you get a say in what applications americans decide to use?

Because that’s why we still have a society. You can’t put the ability to launch nuclear missiles in a freely distributed app so consider this a less exaggerated version of that restriction.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#205

Post by theturtletalks »

verdverm wrote: post #45
zugi wrote: post #22

Banning the app on government (including university) devices is one thing. Blocking the website is another. Perhaps someone who sets UT policies doesn't understand the difference?

Governments and businesses block sites on their network all the time for a variety of reasons. This is just adding an entry to a list. They block ports and bandwidth shape as well

I learned this the hard way. Biked 5 miles to go work at the library and when I tried connecting to my Postgres DB, the connection was blocked.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#206

Post by bena »

filoleg wrote: post #154
bena wrote: post #104

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But it's also UT-Austin's network. They should have some say in what traffic the allow on it.

You are explaining why UT-Austin should have the power of say in what traffic they allow on their network, which I agree with they should have. It can be used for many legitimate things, including blocking malicious endpoints associated with DDoS, blocking websites with known malware, stuff that very negatively affects the campus network infra, etc. However, you aren't explaining why UT-Austin should get to decide wh…

If you are saying they should have to explain or justify why they block traffic to TikTok's services, you are saying they don't have "the power of say". Because you are saying that power is conditional on you accepting their explanation.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#207

Post by shortcake27 »

kerpotgh wrote: post #201
filoleg wrote: post #147

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Luckily, a good number of modern home routers support a one-click easy host-your-own-VPN feature. I have an Amplifi router, and i simply linked my phone to it once, and now I can toggle a VPN on my phone with just one click whenever I need it (just like any third-party VPN service), and it will route the connection through my home network. No complicated setup, the entire first-time setup took a grand total of 2 minu…

What’s the point of this? Isn’t it still your own IP address?

Plenty of reasons. Many people need a VPN to either bypass network restrictions (like this) or add a bit more security to an untrusted network (eg, cafe wifi). Setting up your own VPN is free, and in some cases, more secure than a shady VPN provider.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#208

Post by wombat_trouble »

positr0n wrote: post #194
wombat_trouble wrote: post #89

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What would that accomplish? Most LLCs are created (incorporated) by a lawyer who then cedes control to the intended owners. Even if you had a requirement for a US person, you'd just have figureheads collecting some nominal salary. Plenty of low-income folks would be eager to get an extra $500 a month for doing nothing. For what it's worth, the formation of an LLC is a state affair, and every state has its own rules a…

> Plenty of low-income folks would be eager to get an extra $500 a month for doing nothing. If this hypothetical low income person owned the LLC so that others could operate it, nothing is stopping them from cleaning out the LLC's bank account whenever they want since they own it!

It doesn't work that way. An LLC is governed by an operating agreement, and that agreement can specify what actions needs approval from whom. You can have an LLC that is owned by one person and managed by another, and yet another party collects proceeds... sky's the limit, if it's not otherwise illegal, it's fair game.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#209

Post by Eleison23 »

Aside from the unnamed security risks the admins mention, Texas A&M undoubtedly has an Acceptable Use Policy in place for their campus networks, and this would be an AUP that restricts usage to academic type only. Technically it is against the rules of any university or college or school to be using non-academic, frivolous apps like these, by way of academic resources.

It would be like renting a classroom to hold your bachelor party. Or a homeless person living in the library. That's not what school is for.

Academic institutions are well within their rights to block all kinds of social media, especially when those apps are hogging bandwidth, memory, storage, screen space, or whatever. They're disruptive to the learners who pay tuition and they're a drain on taxpayers and alumni alike.

Good riddance.

Re: UT-Austin blocks access to TikTok on campus Wi-Fi networks

#210

Post by type-r »

hot_gril wrote: post #190
Aaronstotle wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why should the US allow the CCP to have free rein over user's data when the CCP bans US Tech companies from operating in China for the same reason?

I don't want to follow the line of thinking that the US govt should enact similar policies to the CCP.

it's not enacting similar policies though. it's taking a reciprocal stance -- don't want to allow our apps? that's fine, but you can't expect we'll allow yours. default to open but restrict if others restrict feels like a very fair policy to me. right now we have open no matter what. this is too permissive.
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