On Wednesday, May 17th, Greg Gianforte, Montana’s governor, singed a law banning TikTok starting 2024. 

ByteDance, the corporation that owns TikTok, is being accused of invading the privacy of Millions of users. Although no confirmation has been placed to corroborate Montana’s claim, the ban has been underway. The suit restricts consumers from downloading the app; however, users who already have it will not be affected. 

While Montana is the first state to restrict TikTok, it is not the first time it has been banned. On December 24, 2022 President Biden signed the law to ban TikTok on government devices. According to an NPR article, “Having TikTok on a device issued by the federal government has become illegal under a sprawling spending bill for the upcoming fiscal year signed by President Biden on Thursday.” 

Opinions about the banning have been controversial. Millions of users who indulge in TikTok on a day-to-day basis are against the new law; however, those who don’t use TikTok agree with Montana’s decision. A lawsuit has already been brought against the law due to freedom of speech concerns. 

According to an NPR article, TikTok’s administrator, Shou Zi Chew states, “We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana.” 

Many are left wondering if Montana’s resolution will have a ripple effect throughout the United States. Although there is no evidence that the app will be banned in other states at this time, concerns about privacy continue to arise throughout America.