Montana Becomes First US State to Ban TikTok over Privacy Concerns

In a fresh move, Montana has become the first state in the United States to ban Chinese-owned media giant TikTok from personal devices, citing national security risks. Governor Greg Gianforte signed the ban into law, which will take effect on January 1, according to BBC.
Montana, with a population of over 1 million, passed the bill with a vote of 54 to 43, making it illegal for app stores to offer TikTok. However, individuals who already have the app will still be allowed to use it. The law aims to protect Montanans from potential surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party.
TikTok, with an estimated 150 million American users, has faced scrutiny globally over concerns of data privacy and its ties to China. The app’s owner, ByteDance, denies any control or influence by the Chinese government.
Technology giants like Apple and Google may also face fines of up to $10,000 for allowing TikTok to be downloaded in Montana from their app stores.
While the ban aims to protect citizens, it has sparked a debate over the limits of governmental control and individual freedom of expression.
Canada and the USA announced late February a ban on Chinese App “TikTok”, in State-owned devices.