Federal Judge Halts Montana's TikTok Ban

A federal judge in Montana has temporarily blocked a statewide ban on TikTok, preventing the nation's first prohibition on the popular video app from taking effect next year. The judge ruled that the ban most likely violated the First Amendment and a clause giving Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been in a legal battle with Montana since the state passed the ban in April. The ruling is seen as a setback for states attempting to regulate aspects of online life, and it is likely to be noted by lawmakers in other states considering similar bans.