Montana's House approved a bill that bans TikTok in the state due to data safety concerns.
The bill, SB 419, is aimed at banning the popular social media app, TikTok, from being available for download on app stores within the state of Montana. Despite the likelihood of legal challenges, this action serves as an experiment for the TikTok-free America that some federal lawmakers are envisioning due to fears of Chinese spying.
Montana Bans TikTok
According to NBC, it also prohibits the operation of the app within the state, which means that if the app is already installed on a device, it can still be used, but new downloads will not be allowed. The bill has been a topic of controversy, as many feel that it infringes on personal freedom and limits the choices of individuals. However, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect user data and prevent the spread of propaganda.
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been under scrutiny due to concerns that user data may be handed over to the Chinese government or that pro-Beijing propaganda may be promoted on the platform.
These concerns have been raised by leaders at the FBI and the CIA, as well as lawmakers from both parties. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims.
The prohibition has been associated with a pair of Chinese laws that obligate corporations to collaborate with the government on intelligence-related endeavors. Supporters of the ban argue that these laws make it impossible for TikTok to guarantee the safety and privacy of user data.
The bill was passed by a vote of 54-43 and will now be sent to the governor for approval. It is worth noting that the bill will not take effect until January 2024, and it will be void if Congress passes a nationwide measure or if TikTok cuts its ties with China.
Worries on Chinese Spying and Propaganda
TikTok is a social media app that has exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly among younger users. However, the app's Chinese ownership has raised data safety concerns among lawmakers in the US, who worry that the push of propaganda to the American people.
Last month, as previously reported by TechCrunch, the Biden administration increased its pressure on TikTok, leading to a hearing in which the company's CEO, Chew Shouzi, testified before Congress.
Chew sought to reassure lawmakers that TikTok takes the privacy and security of its users seriously and that the company has never shared US user data with the Chinese government. Despite these reassurances, there are still concerns about TikTok's ownership and its relationship with the Chinese government. In response to these concerns, some lawmakers have proposed legislation that would ban TikTok from being used in certain settings or even nationwide; currently, one of these is Montana.
According to the Associated Press, the statement from TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter, the advocates of the Montana bill have acknowledged that they do not have a workable plan to put into action their efforts to silence American voices. He also stated that the legality of the bill would ultimately be determined by the courts.
TikTok plans to keep fighting for the rights of its users and creators in Montana, who would be adversely affected by the government's overbearing actions and potential infringement of their First Amendment rights.
TikTok has responded to these threats with a charm offensive, touting the steps the company is taking to secure user data and highlighting the small businesses that rely on the app. The company has also argued that the proposed ban is an overreach of government power and could have a chilling effect on free speech.
