Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a measure Wednesday banning TikTok in Montana, the first state to completely ban the social media app amid concerns about security threats.
The Chinese-owned platform, operated by ByteDance, has raised questions for allegedly harvesting data for those who have the app installed and use it frequently, many also point out its power to spread misinformation rapidly. Several states have pushed legislation to ban the video-sharing app from government-issued devices.
Another state that has been vocal about its distrust for the platform is Florida, with Gov. Ron DeSantis implementing strict laws for government, universities, and public school networks.
TikTok banned in Montana:Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok over security concerns
DeSantis’ war on TikTokTikTok banned in Florida? No, but DeSantis seeks block on government devices, school networks
Will Florida be next to join the TikTok ban? Here’s what legislation has been passed so far and what DeSantis has said about a complete block for the popular app:
As of now, there are no plans to completely ban the app but DeSantis has blocked it on government devices and school networks.
In an interview with Piers Morgan for Fox Nation, he confirmed that he would completely ban the app if he could.
“I would. I think so. I think it’s a security risk. They are harvesting so much data on our citizens,” DeSantis said when asked about it. “There’s a whole bunch of other apps and stuff that are out there and, honestly, I’ve got young kids and I don’t want our kids on some of this stuff.”
In February, DeSantis announced his proposal for a “digital bill of rights” that would ban its use on government-issued devices and block access to the platform on internet services provided by public schools, universities, and government offices.
“Our Digital Bill of Rights will ensure Floridians are protected from the overreach and surveillance we have seen from Big Tech companies,” DeSantis said during a press conference. “Today’s proposal builds on our efforts to stop Big Tech censorship and combat the malign influence of China through the removal of nefarious platforms like TikTok from any state-supported activity.”
DeSantis also signed another TikTok ban earlier this month, approving HB 379 on May 9 to prohibit students from using TikTok on district-owned devices in public schools, as well as block anyone from using the app as a means of promoting school activities.
The bill also allows teachers to prohibit cell phone use entirely in the classroom and requires public schools to provide instruction on the social, emotional, and physical effects of social media.
The ban is in effect on millions of state and school-issued devices. Currently, the video-sharing app is blocked at all Florida public universities:
What to know about university bans:8 Florida universities have banned TikTok. Here’s what you need to know:
Along with TikTok, TencentQQ, WeChat, Vkontakte, Kaspersky, and Fizz are also included in the ban.
The central focal point around the ban is the growing privacy concerns over how the Chinese owners of TikTok handle user data, especially regarding whether the app could be infiltrated by the Chinese government to spy on its 150 million American users.
Officials in Washington believe that the app could also be used by the Chinese government to spread propaganda to global audiences, and there are concerns about how harmful social media sites could be to younger users in general.
DeSantis has stated he wants “to protect Floridians’ digital rights and privacy from Big Tech companies by creating a Digital Bill of Rights that focuses on protecting Floridians’ privacy, protecting minors from online harms, and eliminating unfair censorship,” for the Florida legislative session beginning in March, according to a news release.
TikTok has been partially or fully banned in five countries so far, with Afghanistan, India, and Taiwan having enacted complete bans.
The following countries have implemented restrictions: