Montana has become the first U.S. state to ban TikTok downloads due to security concerns, which has sparked criticism over potential infringement of free speech rights.
App stores and TikTok could face hefty fines if they fail to comply with the ban.
- The restriction reflects rising concerns about TikTok's connections to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, affecting global security.
- Due to concerns about data collection for Chinese espionage, the U.S. government previously demanded a ban or divestiture of TikTok.
- TikTok plans to contest the law because it says it violates Montanans' First Amendment rights.
- Given the ongoing hostilities between the U.S. and China, the federal government's position on TikTok is still unclear, and it is also unknown whether the White House will issue an executive order imposing a nationwide ban