TikTok Files Federal Lawsuit Against Montana's TikTok Ban, Slamming Unconstitutional Censorship in Landmark Lawsuit

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TikTok

In a highly anticipated move, TikTok has taken decisive action against Montana's recent law that seeks to ban its app within the state's borders. The company has filed a federal lawsuit against the state, marking a significant response to the legislation set to take effect on January 1st, 2024.

The crux of TikTok's lawsuit centers around the belief that the ban infringes upon the fundamental right to free speech, constituting unconstitutional censorship. TikTok argues that the state's prohibition violates the First Amendment by unlawfully restricting core freedoms.

TikTok firmly refutes the concerns expressed by Montana regarding potential data access by Chinese officials and the exposure of harmful content. The company's legal representatives dismiss the Montana law as an "extraordinary and unprecedented measure driven solely by unfounded speculation."

According to a TikTok spokesperson, 

We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana. We believe our legal challenge will prevail based on an exceedingly strong set of precedents and facts.

Furthermore, TikTok has collaborated with Oracle for "Project Texas", a $1.5 billion data-security initiative aimed at addressing data privacy concerns of U.S. citizens. With approximately 150 million active users in the United States, TikTok is committed to protecting its business and ensuring the safety of its users.

While the Montana law signed by Governor Greg Gianforte has faced criticism from advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and digital rights advocates, cybersecurity experts have also raised doubts about its feasibility. The law places the responsibility on companies like Apple and Google, imposing penalties of up to $10K Per Day for allowing TikTok downloads within Montana. However, experts argue that enforcing such a prohibition would be challenging and could inadvertently impact residents living near the state's borders, potentially creating loopholes.


Source:

CNN

Senate Bill SB0419

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