TikTok Fights Back with Lawsuit Against Montana
TikTok fights back against Montana's ban by suing the state The lawsuit is a strong response to concerns about the app's privacy practices and its connection to the Chinese government This legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of social media platforms
The social media giant, TikTok, is taking legal action against the state of Montana following the state officials' decision to prohibit its citizens from downloading the platform. This move is the latest response by TikTok to defend itself against allegations of privacy breaches and its ties with the Chinese government.
US politicians have voiced concerns over TikTok's privacy policies, prompting a congressional hearing in March 2023 where CEO Shou Zi Chew was questioned for five hours on the subject. Chew repeatedly denied allegations that the company shares user data with the Chinese government. However, the bipartisan committee remained skeptical of these claims.
TikTok has challenged Montana's ban on the app, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. The ban, signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte, aims to protect Montana citizens from having their personal information collected by the Chinese government. However, if enforced, it would make it illegal for TikTok to operate within the state in any capacity.
TikTok is currently facing a ban in Montana, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2024. The state would impose a hefty fine of $10,000 per day on the company if the app remains available on mobile devices beyond that date. In addition, Google and Apple would also face financial penalties if they fail to comply with this ban. However, TikTok is fighting back and seeking to invalidate the law, claiming that it falls outside the state's jurisdiction. The company argues that if the ban is related to foreign affairs and national security, it is a matter for the federal government to address, not the state of Montana. Despite the ban, TikTok believes that it has a strong legal case and is confident that it can prevent this and any future attempts at a ban from taking effect within Montana. It is worth noting that this is the first time a US state has attempted to ban the popular short-form video app. Earlier this year, a federal bill was also introduced to ban TikTok nationally, but that has not yet been enacted.
Source: NBC News, Reuters
