Montana is set to become the first state to ban TikTok

After multiple reports of TikTok mishandling user data and alleged spying on US journalists over the past few years, Montana has made history by becoming the first state legislature to pass the bill to ban the app on all devices. The bill, awaiting approval by Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, who previously banned the app from state-owned devices, would require app stores to remove the app by 2024, with penalties of up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance.

While several lawmakers and experts supported the bill citing national security concerns, opponents of the ban, such as the ACLU, say it would violate the First Amendment and be disastrous for freedom of expression and that there is still no concrete evidence that the Chinese government uses TikTok to spy on US nationals. Additionally, the bill is also expected to be challenged by courts, and there are concerns that its approval may prompt other Republican lawmakers across the country to push for copycat bills.

“Montanans deserve better than to have their representatives violate their free speech rights by cutting them off from a unique platform that allows them to speak their minds, exchange information, and learn new things,” says Jenna Leventoff, ACLU senior policy counsel.

TikTok’s response

TikTok responded to the ban by calling it “egregious government overreach” and plans to fight it. The company argues that its platform provides a space for individuals to express themselves and connect with others worldwide, and many businesses rely on it for marketing and outreach.

“We will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana,” says TikTok.

Furthermore, in response to national security concerns, TikTok stated that their Project Texas would protect US user data by routing it through domestic Oracle servers and allowing third-party oversight of the app’s algorithms. However, recent reports of an employee claiming that the Chinese government could still access US user data through TikTok have caused further concern.

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