Montana Legislature Considers Ban on TikTok

The Montana legislature is currently considering a ban on TikTok, which would prevent all Montanans from accessing the platform, even on their personal devices. This measure has already been approved by the state Senate and will soon be taken up by the House of Representatives.

If this ban is passed, it would mean that TikTok would no longer be available in the app store or load on users' phones. This decision was not made by TikTok itself, but rather by the Montana legislature. The sponsors of the ban claim that it is necessary for national security reasons, alleging that TikTok operates as a surveillance tool for the Chinese government. However, this is simply not true. All data for TikTok's U.S. users is stored on servers in the United States, and access to that data and the algorithms that determine users' feeds is managed by U.S.-based personnel.

The Montana bill is not about ensuring user safety, but rather about restricting the freedom of Montanans based on unfounded fears and misinformation. TikTok hopes that if Montana officials learn about the real impact of the platform, including its support for small businesses, educational opportunities, and global community, they might reconsider their decision.

It is important to note that no government has ever dictated what apps or web content Americans can or cannot access. This decision deserves careful reconsideration. If you are a TikTok user in Montana, you can voice your opposition to the statewide ban by contacting your state representative or emailing the Governor directly. Content creators can also use the hashtag #MTLovesTikTok to inform their community about the situation.