Montana becomes 1st U.S. state to ban TikTok

Tiktok

Montana's Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill into law, making Montana the first state in the United States to ban the Chinese-developed social media app TikTok. The decision comes amidst concerns over data security and potential influence from the Chinese Communist Party. The new law prohibits app stores from offering TikTok starting January 1, 2024, and prevents the app from operating as a business within the state.

In a tweet, Governor Gianforte stated, "To protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party, I have banned TikTok in Montana." The move aims to safeguard the personal information of Montanans and mitigate potential risks associated with the popular video-sharing app.

Under the legislation, app providers found in violation of the ban will face a $10,000 fine. However, individual users who already have the app on their devices will not be penalized. This measure targets the availability and distribution of TikTok within Montana, rather than punishing users.

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The ban on TikTok in Montana adds to a series of restrictions imposed by other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, and the United States. Governments around the world have expressed concerns over TikTok's ties to China and the potential for data collection and influence operations by Chinese authorities and secret services.

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has consistently denied allegations of data breaches and unauthorized access by the Chinese government. The app boasts over a billion users globally and enjoys widespread popularity in the United States and Europe.

It is anticipated that the ban may face legal challenges based on arguments surrounding the right to freedom of expression. Lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the ban may arise, further scrutinizing the legality and implications of restricting access to TikTok in Montana.

As the first state in the U.S. to enact such legislation, Montana's ban on TikTok highlights the ongoing global debate surrounding data security, privacy, and the potential risks associated with foreign-owned social media platforms.