TikTok has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Missoula, Montana, seeking to reverse a ban imposed by Governor Greg Gianforte that prohibits the popular app from operating and downloading in the state. The social network argues that this measure constitutes a violation of free speech and is based on unfounded speculation that the Chinese government may access user data and that the platform exposes minors to harmful content.
In the lawsuit, TikTok names the state’s attorney general, Austin Knudsen, and claims that Montana’s new law, which will go into effect on January 1, 2024, lacks a solid foundation. The company maintains that it has not and will not share US user data with the Chinese government and has taken significant steps to protect users’ privacy and security. TikTok is confident that its legal challenge will prevail due to the strong body of precedent and facts supporting its position.
Montana became the first state to take such drastic action against the Chinese social network by passing this ban. Under the legislation, both app stores and TikTok could face fines of $10,000 per day each time they provide access to the platform or allow the app to be downloaded. Notably, these penalties would not apply to users.
The lawsuit filed by TikTok seeks to protect its business and hundreds of thousands of users in Montana and highlights the importance of constitutional free speech principles. The company is confident that strong precedent and facts support its position and expects to obtain a favorable ruling in this case.