Montana faces lawsuit from social media influencers over TikTok ban.

Social Media Influencers Sue Montana Over TikTok Ban

First Amendment Violation Alleged

A group of social media influencers has filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana, claiming that a recent ban on TikTok violates their First Amendment rights. The state passed a statute prohibiting app stores from making TikTok available for download, citing concerns that the Chinese Communist Party could access users’ data in the US. The lawsuit, filed by law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, argues that the state is discriminating against certain forms of speech and lacks the authority to enforce laws related to national security.

Plaintiffs Include Small Business Owners and Veterans

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Samantha Alario, a small business owner who sells swimwear; Heather DiRocco, a former Marine who discusses mental health with fellow veterans; Carly Ann Goddard, who creates content related to life on her ranch; Alice Held, a student who shares her outdoor adventures related to mountain climbing and biking; and Dale Stout, who makes humorous videos. Each of these individuals earns revenue from their TikTok accounts and argues that the ban deprives them of their property rights.

Governor Claims Ban Protects Private Data

Montana Republican Governor Greg Gianforte has defended the ban, stating that it is intended to protect “private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party.” The bill was sponsored by Montana Republican State Senator Shelley Vance, who called TikTok a “major threat to our national security.”

TikTok Responds

TikTok has reassured its users in Montana that they can continue to use the platform to express themselves, earn a living, and find community. However, some lawmakers have called for a mandatory divestiture of the platform from ByteDance due to concerns about censorship practices and national security. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has argued that a forced sale to an American company would not resolve these issues.

Conclusion

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate over the role of social media platforms in national security and free speech. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the courts balance these competing interests.