Montana Governor Bans TikTok

Montana is the first state in the nation to issue such a ban.

istockphoto.com/5./15 WEST

Montana has become the first state in our nation to ban TikTok. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law a bill that makes it illegal for the video sharing platform to operate in the state. The new rules have set the stage for a legal battle between TikTok and the state. Some are also wondering if such a ban can actually be enforced.

With growing concern over the Chinese government potentially harvesting data from users of the app, combined with the negative effects of social media on kids and teens, many are in favor of the ban. But TikTok says the ban violates people’s rights.

There are already TikTok bans on government-issued devices in nearly half the U.S. states and in the federal government. According to the AP, there are 200,000 TikTok users in Montana and 6,000 businesses that use the app.

The new law will prohibit downloads of the app and fine Apple or Google app store or TikTok $10,000 a day each time the app is accessed or downloaded. Gov. Gianforte said he would like to expand the ban to other social media apps due to legal reasons. But cybersecurity experts say it will be extremely difficult to enforce this ban, as the U.S. does not have control of what its citizens can view on the web the way countries like China do.

In any case, a legal battle will most certainly ensue, as critics say the ban violates free speech rights and that Montanans should be able to continue to express themselves on the platform.

How do you feel about the TikTok ban? Are your kids on TikTok?

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