International Restrictions of Penn State Software and Technology Services
Updated: 10 August 2020
Penn State IT provides the following software and online services for classroom use. In some cases, usage is restricted by limitations imposed by the laws or actions of the United States or other governments.
While these restrictions are out of Penn State’s control, this list is provided as a resource for faculty and students to catalog what software and services are subject to limitation and, in some cases, provide suggestions for alternatives.,/p>
In addition to US Export restrictions, the software and services listed below were identified as meeting the following Penn State-criteria:
- Supported – Is officially supported by the Penn State IT Service Desk
- Enterprise-wide – Is licensed and available to the entirety of Penn State
- Student-facing – Is a student facing tool, usable by students and by all students
- Paid for – No additional fees or charges to user or department
Restriction Status
United States Export Restrictions – All software and online services are subject to United States export restrictions. Penn State cannot provide software directly to students/persons in comprehensively embargoed countries. Countries that place further restrictions on the use of software or online services are noted below.
Document Storage
Learning Management System
Canvas
The People’s Republic of China does not have stable, predictable access to Canvas, even with a VPN. Embargoed countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the region of Crimea.
Image Creation and Processing
Adobe Creative Cloud
If Adobe Creative Cloud is not accessible through a Penn State Access Account, country-specific resellers may be available. This may require additional cost.
Video Discussions and Commentary
Canvas Discussions – Video Based
The People’s Republic of China does not have stable, predictable access to Canvas, even with a VPN. Embargoed countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the region of Crimea.
Office Suite
Microsoft Office 365
Mobile
Penn State Go
Modo, the platform on which Penn State Go is Modo is built, is available in China. The only issues we run into are the services specifically blocked in China
Surveys and Polling
Video Storage
Kaltura
No country officially blocks Kaltura, but access is dependent by country, location within certain countries and the enforcement of local restrictions. Performance is dependent upon local infrastructure, especially rural locations. Kaltura utilizes an Amazon CDN in southeast Asia service close to the People’s Republic of China for improved performance. Limited ability for Live Streaming. Best use is for viewing pre-recorded videos. Regional issues with access in India.
Online Training
LinkedIn Learning
- LinkedIn Learning cannot be accessed in Mainland China. Contact LinkedIn Learning support with questions.
Discussion Tools
Canvas Discussions
The People’s Republic of China does not have stable, predictable access to Canvas, even with a VPN. Embargoed countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the region of Crimea.
Publishing
Video Chat and Conferencing
Zoom
Restrictions: Standard US and Country specific laws in addition to the region of Crimea. Access to Zoom may be further limited by restrictions within individual countries. Please see the documentation provided by Zoom for the latest information. The People’s Republic of China also limits access to Zoom but provides downloadable software and web access portals in order to use the Zoom service. Please note that the use of these links may introduce privacy or security concerns
– https://zoomcloud.cn/download
– https://www.zoomus.cn/webclient/join
Microsoft Teams
- Penn State Knowledge Base Articles
- Penn State Learning Path
- International availability of Microsoft’s online products
Access may be limited in the People’s Republic of China
Google Hangouts Meet and Chat
Access from the People’s Republic of China may be restricted