Montana – the state on the east side West BEThe United States has passed a ban on Chinese short video platform TikTok at the congressional level. With a vote of 54/43, the bill was on Governor Greg Gianforte's desk. If he signs, TikTok will be banned in the state and people here cannot download this software on app stores for smart devices.
If the ban is enforced, it will take effect from January next year. In addition to aiming to ban TikTok, bill number SB1 also stipulates that app stores that allow the display of TikTok software will be fined up to $419 per day. Individuals living in Montana who use the short video sharing platform are not subject to administrative fines or detention for using the program.
The bill to ban TikTok may be the first to pass in the state of Montana
Brook Stroyke, the governor's spokesman, said the head of state will carefully review every bill that is presented. In December 12.2022, Gianforte banned the installation of TikTok on all local government devices. A month later, he successfully persuaded the leadership of the University of Montana to make the same request.
TikTok's side issued a statement, citing the US First Amendment, and opened the possibility of a lawsuit. “Backers of the bill have admitted they have no viable plan to operate this plan to silence the voice of the American people. The constitutionality of the measure will be determined by the courts. We will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana who are experiencing undue government interference in their livelihoods and First Amendment rights,” said Brooke Oberwetter, a TikTok spokesperson.
The bill also mentions that TikTok has dangerous content and challenges. But in addition to the above concerns, the Washington government is also concerned about ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok based in China. In the US, more than half of the 50 states are looking to rein in TikTok.
