A U.S. appeals court has upheld a Montana law that could lead to the banning of TikTok in the state, marking a significant blow to the social media platform’s efforts to challenge the legislation. Montana passed the law earlier in 2024, citing concerns over data security and potential influence from the Chinese government, as TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China.
TikTok argued that the ban infringed on free speech rights and conflicted with federal laws that regulate interstate commerce. However, the appeals court ruling allows the state to proceed with enforcing the law, which includes penalties for app stores offering TikTok and for TikTok itself if the platform operates in Montana.
The decision is part of a broader debate in the United States over the security risks posed by TikTok, with some federal lawmakers advocating for nationwide restrictions. TikTok has vowed to continue its legal battle and insists that it prioritizes user privacy and security.
This ruling could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures, intensifying the legal and political challenges faced by TikTok in the U.S.
