Montana has become the first state to pass a bill banning TikTok, requiring app stores to block the app in the state. The bill, which passed by a vote of 54-43, will now go to Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, who has previously banned the app from state-owned devices.
The ban is set to take effect in 2024, but it is likely to face legal challenges before then. Nonetheless, the bill has been closely watched as pressure continues to mount on TikTok. The CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew, recently testified at a Congressional hearing where he attempted to downplay the company’s ties to ByteDance and China, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful.
