Montana was the first US state to ban the Chinese micro-video service TikTok. A law to that effect was passed yesterday by a vote of 54 to 43 and will now be submitted to Republican Governor Greg Gianforte for signature. The latter is basically just a formality.
The new law prohibits distribution of TikTok through any app stores available in Montana. The reason given is the close relationship between TikTok and its Chinese parent company Bytedance, which is said to endanger the security of the data of Montana citizens. Allegedly, TikTok could theoretically be forced to pass on data from Montana users to the Chinese government.
The US federal government is currently trying again and again to persuade Bytedance to completely give up its stake in the US offshoot of TikTok, which is at least legally independent. However, the Montana law could also serve as a kind of blueprint for a blanket ban on TikTok across the United States. Many states have already banned its use by government employees and members of parliament.
At TikTok, of course, people are anything but enthusiastic about the current development. According to a company spokesman, the legislature in Montana is massively exceeding its powers and is therefore unlawfully restricting the freedom of the people there. There will likely be a number of legal battles trying to prevent this before the general TikTok ban actually goes into effect in Montana in early 2024.
- Montana passes law banning distribution of TikTok.
- Rationale: close relationship to Bytedance & data security threats.
- US federal government wants to move Bytedance to complete surrender.
- Ban could serve as a blueprint for the entire US.
- TikTok calls law an unlawful restriction of freedom.
- Legal wrangling ahead of the ban coming into effect in early 2024.
- The ban is a response to long-discussed security concerns.
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