Montana close to becoming 1st state to completely ban TikTok

FILE – The TikTok logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays the TikTok home screen, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Boston. TikTok’s CEO plans to tell Congress that the video-sharing app is committed to user safety, data protection and security, and keeping the platform free from Chinese government influence.(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana moved one step closer to passing a bill to ban TikTok from operating in the state. It’s a move that’s bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the TikTok-free America that many national lawmakers have envisioned. Montana’s proposal is more sweeping than bans in place in nearly half the states and the U.S. federal government that prohibit TikTok on government devices. The House approved the bill 60-39 on second reading on Thursday. A final House vote would likely take place on Friday, after which the bill would be forwarded to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.