Montana enacts a complete TikTok ban

Montana has enacted an all-out ban on the TikTok video-sharing platform, the harshest action taken against the platform by any US state. Owned by a Chinese tech firm, the social media company has condemned the legislation, arguing that it infringes on the constitutional rights of US citizens. The bill prohibits TikTok from operating within the state and bars mobile app stores from hosting it under the threat of fines of up to $10,000 per day of violation. TikTok issued a statement on Wednesday, declaring that it would fight the new law and “continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana.” Rights groups and industry organizations also condemned the ban, with the ACLU claiming it was passed “in the name of anti-Chinese sentiment.” NetChoice – a trade group composed of several tech companies, including TikTok – said the bill “ignores the US Constitution, due process and free speech.”