The news comes amid mounting concerns over the app among lawmakers over security concerns with its Chinese owners.
Posted BY: Uwa Ede-Osifo
Montana lawmakers passed a bill Friday blocking downloads of TikTok, the most significant action yet by a state yet against the app.
The bill, SB 419, makes it illegal for app stores to give users the option to download the app and also illegal for the company to operate within the state.
The bill does not, however, make it illegal for people who already have TikTok to use the app. A previous version of the bill sought to force internet providers to block TikTok, but that language was later removed.
The bill passed by a vote of 54-43.
The bill is now headed to Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, who is expected to sign it. He previously banned TikTok on government devices in Montana. Other states have enacted similar executive orders banning the app on government-owned devices and networks.
The bill referred to concerns over data safety, surveillance from the Chinese government, and minors engaging in "dangerous activities" as a result of TikTok use including "cooking chicken in NyQuil" and "attempting to climb stacks of milkcrates." These activities were part of so-called challenges that critics say were popularized by users of the app.
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