Montana has made history by becoming the first state in the United States to ban the popular video-sharing platform TikTok. Governor Greg Gianforte signed a law banning mobile app providers from offering the app in the state from next year. The move is part of a broader trend of escalating measures in the US against TikTok, which has come under scrutiny for its links to China and potential national security concerns.
Growing concern and escalating measures
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance, has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. Many government officials and agencies in the US have expressed concerns about the app's privacy and IT security, fearing that its links to China could pose a risk to national security. More than half of the US states and the federal government have already banned the app on state devices, and the Biden administration has even threatened a nationwide ban if the company does not sell its shares to a US company.
TikTok's answer
TikTok has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has stated that it has never shared user data with the Chinese government. In response to the Montana ban, the company argued that it violated people's 1st Amendment rights (freedom of expression) and promised to defend the rights of its users both inside and outside the state of Montana. It is likely that the ban will be legally challenged, and the outcome of this legal battle will determine TikTok's future path in the United States.
Effects on users and creatives
With over 100 million users in the US, TikTok is one of the most popular social networks in the world. The ban raises the question of how it will be enforced and what it means for creators who rely on the platform for their content. As Montana is serving as a test area for a TikTok-free America, the legal dispute there is likely to lead to a test case in the USA.
The ban in Montana in detail
Montana's new law, which is not due to come into force until January 1, 2024, prohibits downloading TikTok within the state. Companies, including the major Apple and Android app stores as well as TikTok itself, can be fined 10,000 dollars per day per user (!) if someone is offered access to the platform or to download the app. However, the ban does not apply to individual users.
Criticism and discussion
Critics of the ban argue that the government is going too far and that the ban can be easily circumvented with the help of virtual private networks (VPNs) that can simulate a specific location. Supporters of freedom of expression have also expressed concern about the US action against TikTok, claiming that it amounts to censorship. Opponents argue that the ban violates the free speech rights of Montana residents who use the app to express themselves, gather information and run their small businesses.
Conclusion
Montana's groundbreaking ban on TikTok sets a precedent for other states in the US considering similar measures. The controversy surrounding TikTok's ties to China and potential national security risks continues to fuel the debate. The outcome of the legal challenges will shape the future landscape of TikTok and its presence in the United States.
