Montana is set to become the first US state to impose a complete ban on TikTok, a popular video-sharing app owned by a Chinese firm.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday signed legislation that bans TikTok from operating in the state. The measure is due to take effect in January 2024.
The legislation alleges that the personal information of TikTok users could be shared with the Chinese Communist Party.
In a message posted on Twitter, Gianforte said, "To protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party, I have banned TikTok in Montana."
Under the legislation, TikTok's operating company or any entity — including Google and Apple — that offers the ability for users to download the app would be fined. But the penalties would not apply to users.
In the United States, there have been growing moves to ban the app on government-owned devices. But Montana's law is the first in the US to ban the app from all devices.
TikTok said Montana's law violates the US Constitution and the company wants to reassure Montanans that they can continue using the app.
US media say the law is likely to face legal challenges.