Montana has become the first American state to pass legislation banning TikTok from all personal devices over the possibility that the Chinese government could access the data of Americans through the social media platform.
The Republican-controlled Montana House of Representatives sent the bill on Friday to Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, who is expected to append his signature.
The bill known as SB 419 passed by a vote of 54 to 43. It cites a number of concerns about TikTok, including alleged surveillance from the Chinese government.
Its passage comes amid calls by some federal lawmakers to ban the social media platform nationally.
Owned by Chinese firm, ByteDance, TikTok has been accused of posing a national security risk through data gathered from users.
If signed, the legislation will prevent TikTok from operating within state lines and bar app stores from offering the app for downloads.
The bill prescribes up to $10,000 in penalties a day for any entity, such as Apple and Google’s app stores or TikTok itself, that makes the popular video-streaming app available in Montana.
ByteDance has suggested it would fight the bill, which could come into effect in January if signed, in court.
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