The First US State to Ban TikTok: Montana's Bold Move
Montana has become the first US state to ban TikTok, with legislation prohibiting mobile application stores from offering the app within the state by next year.
The move is part of the US government's escalating actions against TikTok due to concerns over its ties to China and potential national security threats.
TikTok has denied sharing data with the Chinese government and intends to defend the rights of its users in and outside of Montana.
The ban in Montana is expected to face legal challenges and will serve as a testing ground for similar actions envisioned at the national level.
Montana's new law also prohibits the use of social media applications that collect and provide personal information or data to foreign adversaries on government-issued devices.
Critics view the ban as government overreach, and opponents argue that it can be easily circumvented using virtual private networks.
Civil liberties organizations and trade groups have criticized the ban, considering it a violation of free speech and the constitution.