The Montana state legislature has made a significant step ahead in its efforts to prohibit the operation of the popular short-form video app TikTok in the state.
The Montana legislature wishes to prevent mobile app shops from promoting TikTok for download to Montana residents. The proposed law, known as SB 419, is more thorough than the TikTok restrictions presently in place in almost half of the states and the federal government of the United States, which restricts the app from being used on government equipment.
The Montana House approved the prohibition by a vote of 54-43. TikTok, as well as Apple and Google, who control mobile app shops, would face fines if the measure becomes law. It is unclear how the state intends to implement the prohibition.
Montana’s planned prohibition is more rigorous than the federal government and half of the 50 United States’ ban, which prevents public officials from using TikTok on their cell phones.
SB 419 forbids TikTok from functioning “within the territorial jurisdiction of Montana,” citing concerns that the software might be used for espionage purposes by the Chinese government. If TikTok or app shops break the legislation, Montana’s Department of Justice may fine them up to $10,000 each day for the duration of the offense. The penalty would be levied upon organizations that facilitated TikTok’s download rather than the app’s users.
TikTok issued a statement, saying, “We will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach.”
The bill now awaits the signature of Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. A spokesperson for the governor’s office stated, “The governor will carefully consider any bill the legislature sends to his desk.”
The sources for this piece include articles in Independent and Reuters.
