Montana Tiktok

Montana Bans TikTok, Becoming First State to Do So

Lawmakers Cite App's Suspected Connections to Chinese Government

Gov. Greg Gianforte Signs Bill Protecting Residents' Data and Privacy

Montana has made history as the first U.S. state to ban TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, on all personal devices. Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 419 into law on Wednesday, citing concerns over the app's suspected ties to the Chinese government and potential threats to the privacy and data security of Montana residents.

The Montana House of Representatives had previously approved the total ban on Friday. The bill prohibits the use of TikTok on any personal device that is owned or leased by the state or its political subdivisions. It also makes it illegal for any state employee to download or use the app on personal devices while conducting state business.

Gianforte expressed his support for the ban, stating that he has a responsibility to protect the state's residents and their data. "We need to protect Montanans from foreign influence and ensure that our personal information is not being exploited by foreign governments," Gianforte said in a statement.

TikTok has been facing growing scrutiny from governments and lawmakers in the United States, with concerns raised about its data privacy and content moderation practices. Several states, including Texas, Maryland, and South Dakota, have already banned the app from government devices.

The Montana ban is the most comprehensive to date, extending the prohibition to all personal devices within the state. It remains to be seen whether other states will follow suit and implement similar bans, but Montana's action is a significant step in addressing concerns over TikTok's potential security risks.