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The State of Texas requires public institutions, including Texas Woman’s University (TWU), to restrict the use of certain software applications, hardware, and related technologies on university-owned devices and networks. These restrictions are based on guidance from the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the Governor’s January 26, 2026 directive regarding prohibited technologies for state agencies.
To comply, TWU regularly updates its list of restricted applications, hardware, and related services. On Wednesday evening (April 1, 2026), TWU implemented an updated list and blocked access to websites associated with these prohibited applications and technologies on TWU devices and networks. Users and devices will experience restricted access to sites when connected to TWU networks or TWU-issued devices.
Examples of restricted technologies include (not a complete list):
- Temu.com
- Shein.com
- Tencent.com
- Alibaba.com
- Mi.com
- Kaspersky.com
- Dji.com
- tcltecl.com
- tp-link.com
- hisense.com
Impact on students:
Even when using personal devices (such as smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, or printers), access to restricted websites and technologies will be blocked while connected to TWU networks or Wi-Fi. As a result, some websites or services you may normally use on your personal devices may not be accessible while on campus. These restrictions are in place to comply with state requirements and to protect sensitive university data.
Impact on faculty, staff, and affiliates conducting state business:
TWU employees and university affiliates who conduct "state business" on personal devices are also subject to these restrictions. State business includes accessing TWU-owned data, applications, TWU email, VoIP, SMS messaging, video conferencing (Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, etc.), or other state databases and applications.
Per URP 04.796, employees who use prohibited technologies while conducting state business are subject to corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
For additional details about Covered Applications and Prohibited Technologies, please review the Texas Department of Information Resources guidance.
If you have questions or need guidance on secure alternatives, please contact Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu, or submit a request through the Technology Service Center.