Montana Governor Prohibits Use of TikTok.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has issued an executive order prohibiting the use of TikTok on state-owned devices by government employees. The order comes amid concerns over the popular app's ties to China and potential privacy issues.




In the executive order, Governor Gianforte cited the app's collection of user data, including location, internet address, and browsing history, as well as its potential to be used for disinformation and propaganda. The order also notes that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, which has raised concerns over the app's handling of user data.




The ban on TikTok applies to all state-owned devices used by government employees, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The governor's office has stated that the ban is not intended to prevent private citizens from using the app on their personal devices.




Governor Gianforte's decision to ban TikTok on state-owned devices follows similar moves by other government agencies, including the US military and the US Senate. In 2020, former President Donald Trump attempted to ban TikTok in the United States, citing national security concerns, but his order was blocked by federal courts.




The ban on TikTok in Montana is one of several measures taken by the state government to address cybersecurity and protect sensitive data. In February, Governor Gianforte signed an executive order creating a new position, the Chief Information Security Officer, to oversee the state's cybersecurity efforts.




While some may view the ban on TikTok as an overreaction, others see it as a necessary step to protect sensitive government data and prevent potential security breaches. As the app continues to grow in popularity, it remains to be seen how other governments will respond to the potential risks posed by TikTok and other social media platforms.