A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-499 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO PROHIBIT THE ELECTRONIC DEVICES IT MANAGES FROM ACCESS AND USE OF WEBSITES AND APPLICATIONS THAT THREATEN CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC THREATS, SUCH AS TIKTOK AND WECHAT.
Impact
The enactment of HB 3369 would significantly affect the operational protocols of South Carolina's government entities by requiring the establishment of safeguards against accessing potentially hazardous online resources. The Department of Administration is tasked with developing necessary procedures to implement this prohibition, thereby elevating the state’s stance on cybersecurity. By controlling the use of certain applications on state-managed devices, the bill aims to fortify the state's defenses against both domestic and foreign cyber threats, adjusting how state personnel interact with these platforms in their day-to-day operations.
Summary
House Bill 3369 is designed to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding a new section that mandates all state agencies, departments, and political subdivisions within the state, including school districts and institutions of higher education, to prohibit their electronic devices from accessing specific websites and applications considered to threaten cybersecurity. This includes prominent platforms such as TikTok and WeChat, which have been flagged due to concerns about their foreign ownership and the potential risks they pose to state infrastructure and data security.
Contention
This legislation may evoke debate regarding its implications for personal freedom, digital communication, and the overall transparency of governmental operations. Critics could argue that banning access to popular applications like TikTok and WeChat could stifle innovation and communication opportunities within government offices and the educational system. Furthermore, there may be concerns about defining which applications pose a security threat, potentially leading to an overly broad interpretation that impacts legitimate usage of digital tools necessary for modern governance and public engagement.
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A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-11-499 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE STATE AND ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS TO PROHIBIT THE ELECTRONIC DEVICES IT MANAGES FROM ACCESS AND USE OF WEBSITES AND APPLICATIONS THAT THREATEN CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC THREATS, SUCH AS TIKTOK.
Terminate TikTok on Campus Act of 2023 This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds unless the IHE takes certain actions to ban the use of the social media video application TikTok. Specifically, the IHE must develop and implement standards and guidelines (1) prohibiting the use of TikTok on electronic devices owned or issued by the IHE, and (2) requiring the removal of TikTok from these devices. The bill includes an exception for research that (1) is conducted, supervised, or authorized by an IHE's faculty; and (2) pertains to national security, law enforcement, telecommunications, or cybersecurity.