Montana Governor Implements First Statewide TikTok Ban

Montana has become the first US state to ban Chinese-owned TikTok from operating within its borders, citing concerns over alleged intelligence gathering by China. The ban will take effect on January 1, 2024, and will make it unlawful for Google and Apple's app stores to offer TikTok within the state. However, the ban will not impose any penalties on individuals using the app. TikTok has over 150 million American users and has faced growing calls from US lawmakers and state officials to ban the app nationwide over concerns about potential Chinese government influence over the platform.