In 2023 Montana Banned The App TikTok

Back in May 2023, Montana made national and international news by being the first state to ban the TikTok app In the United States.  The ban is effective as of January 1, 2024.

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Many countries, including America, have banned having the app downloaded on business phones for the government. From NPR, in December 2022, Governor Gianforte banned the use of TikTok on Montana Government devices.  TikTok is banned from the phones of government employees in half of America's states.

TikTok is Taking Montana To Court

From the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula will hear arguments today (10/12/23) in the case filed by TikTok and 5 Montana content creators who want the states ban blocked before it goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

TikTok stated in the court filing that the law is based on unsubstantiated allegations and that Montana can't regulate foreign commerce.  TikTok says Montana could instead pass a law about data collection or require parental controls instead of a ban.

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What Happens If The Ban Stays In Place?

Any platform that offers the app, like Google Play or the Apple App Store, will be fined $10,000 a day for offering it in Montana.  The person attempting to download the app would not be fined.

Why Are Western Countries So Afraid Of TikTok?

According to the Associated Press,  western governments don't want sensitive data given to the Chinese government or used to spread misinformation.  In China, the law allows the government to make companies help them gather information.

Who Is Challenging Or Supporting This Ban In Montana?

Challenging the ban, aside from the Montana content creators and TikTok challenging the ban, the Montana chapter of the ACLU along with Electronic Frontier Foundation have submitted an amicus brief supporting the challenge of the ban.

From Reuters, the Montanans challenging the ban are a designer of a sustainable swimwear company, a former Marine that uses TikTok to connect to other veterans, a rancher who shares adventures, a student who also shares her adventures and a man who shares funny videos and earns money from it.

Those for the ban, 18 attorneys general from mostly Republican states, are backing Montana and are supporting the implementation of the law.

Those working in cybersecurity say it could be really hard to actually enforce a law like this.

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We'll update you on this challenge as we get the information.

This TikTok Trend Has Idaho Schools & Parents Worried

Have you ever heard of this party trend?

Gallery Credit: Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

Apparently TikTok Hates Wyoming, Check Out These Comments

A TikTok account called @One_Million_Dollars where they share a quick video of what a million-dollar home in each state would look like. In their video about Wyoming, I couldn't believe all the means things people said about our amazing state.

Boise TikTok Viewed Over 1Million Times

You're downtown Boise with your friends on a weekend night--what do you have planed? You'll spend some time on 6th & Main, get some "prizes" from Rocci Johnson, and probably end up making a visit to downtown Boise's home of the iconic LED "pole" that is always the center of attention at Club Karma. Located on 8th & Idaho, Karma is known for its good vibes, fish bowls, energetic dance floor, and...the LED "pole". It didn't take long for this pole to make the rounds on the internet and now we can see why--with over 1 million views, one user really gained this famous pole some fame.

Gallery Credit: Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

TikTok's "Devious Licks Challenge"

Destroying school and other public property is one of many challenges originating from TikTok.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

 

 

 

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