TikTok Users File Lawsuit Against Ban in Montana
Several TikTok users have filed a lawsuit against the recently enacted ban on the short video platform in the US state of Montana. They argue that their rights as citizens have been violated.
Ban Seen as Violation of Citizen Rights
After the Chinese short video app TikTok was banned in the US state of Montana, a group of TikTok users have filed a lawsuit against the new law. The five users, in a complaint filed in the US District Court for Montana, argued that the ban violates their rights as citizens. Furthermore, the state is acting as if it has the authority to make decisions regarding national security, which is not the case.
Law Prohibits App Stores from Offering TikTok
With the lawsuit, they aim to prevent the ban, which was signed by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday. The new law prohibits Google and Apple app stores from offering TikTok within the state’s borders. If the app stores or TikTok violate this rule, they will face fines for each violation, as well as additional fines of $10,000 per day.
No Comment from State Attorney General
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The ban aims to protect Montana citizens “from Communist Chinese surveillance,” according to Governor Gianforte, and will take effect on January 1, 2024.
TikTok Pushes Back Against Ban
Montana is the first state in the US to ban the social media platform, particularly popular among young people, due to its potential influence by the Chinese government.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, commented that the ban in Montana violates citizens’ rights by unlawfully prohibiting TikTok. The company will continue to work to defend user rights within and outside Montana. The company has repeatedly denied sharing data with the Chinese government.