On January 29, 2025, the Department of Management Services released the attached updated list of applications prohibited under Section 112.22, Florida Statutes. The section, entitled “Use of applications from foreign countries of concern prohibited,” outlines several key points regarding the restrictions and procedures related to the use of certain internet applications by public employers and employees. The statute defines key terms such as “Department,” referring to the Department of Management Services, and “Foreign country of concern,” which includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, as well as agencies or entities under their control. Public employers are required to block prohibited applications from accessing their networks and devices, and employees are prohibited from downloading or accessing these applications on government-issued devices. The statute provides certain exceptions for law enforcement officers if the use of a prohibited application is necessary for public safety, and public employers can request waivers for designated employees to use these applications. Employees must remove any prohibited applications from government-issued devices within 15 days of an updated list being published by the Department. The Department is responsible for compiling and updating a list of prohibited applications, establishing procedures for granting waivers, and adopting emergency rules to implement the section.
Blocking and Restricting Access:
- CIO/CTO/IT Professionals: Take note to block all prohibited applications from public access (i.e., WI-FI) on any network and virtual private network that the agency owns, operates, or maintains.
For more information, please contact your WSHC+B legal counsel.
