Montana's supposed first-of-its-kind state-wide TikTok ban just got blocked by a US judge from implementation, marking a win from the streaming platform's fight against calls for a nationwide ban.
US District Judge Donald Molloy issued a preliminary injunction, stating that Montana's ruling "oversteps state power" and "violates the Constitution in more ways than one."
In an email statement, TikTok expressed support to Molloy for rejecting the "unconstitutional law," allowing Montanans to "continue to express themselves."
State legislators, in turn, said to look forward to presenting "the complete legal argument" to defend the law that "protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data."
Why Did Montana Wanted to Ban TikTok?
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill in May that prohibits state citizens from using the app, officially making the State of Montana the first to ban the video-sharing platform.
According to the legislation, residents can be fined up to $10,000 by using, installing, or downloading the app within the state.
Gianforte described the passing as "the most decisive action of any state" against China "using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information."
The platform's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China.
At least 18 US states expressed support for Gianforte, urging the national government to put a stop to the platform that "intentionally engages in deceptive business practices."
TikTok, along with content creators, filed lawsuits against the state for its supposed violation of the First Amendment.
Related Article : TikTok Files a Lawsuit Against Montana After Statewide App Ban
Calls to Ban TikTok in the US
TikTok remains under intense scrutiny in the US as political groups advocate for its total ban amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Last year, the US Congress approved to ban the app on all government-issued devices. This is after several states have already prohibited the use of the app by state officials.
Before that, the United States Army and Navy banned TikTok among its ranks after the Department of Defense labeled the app as a security risk.
