Montana Leads the Charge Against TikTok as U.S. Ban Looms

Montana led the way in the effort to get TikTok banned, and it looks like there is a strong possibility that it is going to happen.

Back in 2023 when Montana Governor Gianforte signed Bill 419, which was the first state to have the social media app banned in Montana. At the time there were a lot of logistical issues about how to enforce the ban effectively. Fast forward to today and it looks like the ban may actually come to pass.

Read More: Montana Declares War on TikTok As Gianforte Inks Ban 

Last Friday the United States appeals court upheld the law requiring TikTok to be sold to a different company or be banned on devices in the United States, according to the Associated Press. TikTok is now seeking a temporary halt to the ruling, according to Reuters. They are asking for a review by the Supreme Court. If the ban does happen, it won't remove TikTok from your device. It means that people will not be able to download the app going forward. It will also mean any updates with the app will not be available in the future.

There has been a lot of discussion about the ban with opinions on all sides. Some people are for it, some against it, and a lot of people don't care. Whether  you use TikTok or not, there are many small businesses around the country that rely on the social media platform for their business. For many, the app isn't just for entertainment or for posting dance videos. Over half the population, or 170 million Americans, use the app monthly.

Since talk of TikTok being banned started, multiple social media platforms have emerged, giving people more choices to entertain or to educate. Keep in mind, most social media platforms collect your data.

While TikTok's future is being decided, the ongoing debate underscores a broader concern: the balance between data privacy, national security, and the role of social media in everyday life. Regardless of what happens, businesses and users alike will need to adapt in a rapidly changing landscape of social media.