Montana Becomes First US State to Enact Complete TikTok Ban

The state of Montana has recently become the first in the US to ban the popular social media platform TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance.

The decision has sparked intense debates between supporters who argue it is necessary to protect citizens from potential data privacy breaches and external interference, and opponents who claim it violates First Amendment rights.

On May 28th, 2021, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill No. 97, which prohibits state agencies from using TikTok or any other application owned or substantially controlled by a foreign government or entity.

The law will go into effect on January 1st, 2024, at which point businesses and individuals in Montana will no longer be able to use the app or its products.


Critics of the ban argue that it is unconstitutional and infringes upon individual rights to free speech. TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter voiced her opposition, calling it an "unlawful restriction on expression."

The ACLU of Montana and NetChoice, a trade group including Google and TikTok, have pledged to challenge the law in court if necessary.

Supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect citizens from potential data privacy breaches and external interference by Chinese authorities.

There are concerns that China could access user data for propaganda and other malicious activities through TikTok's parent company, ByteDance Ltd., although no concrete evidence has been presented thus far.

The move has triggered discussions on striking a balance between national security concerns and individual rights, while also considering the influence of US tech giants like Facebook and Google on social media platforms like TikTok.

Additionally, many states are considering further restrictions to limit social media use among children and teenagers due to growing concerns about the negative effects of excessive digital consumption.

TikTok has actively recruited influencers and businesses in Montana to oppose the ban through social media campaigns using the hashtag #SaveTikTokMT.

Users across the country have expressed frustration over what they see as an infringement on their First Amendment rights and the loss of a platform that provides entertainment.

Source: CP24