Get All Access for $5/mo

A Judge Blocked a U.S. State's Attempt to Ban TikTok for All Residents — Here's Why Montana residents would have faced $10,000 fines for using the app.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Montana's attempt to ban TikTok has been denied by a U.S. judge.

The state passed a first-of-its-kind law in May, which prohibits residents from using the app, and hits violators with $10,000 in fines.

But TikTok sued the state shortly after, as did TikTokers residing in the state.

RELATED: Banning TikTok Would Hurt Small Businesses. Here's What Congress Should Do Instead

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy set a preliminary injunction on Thursday to block the state's ban by saying that it "violates the constitution" and that it "oversteps state power."

TikTok is owned and operated by China-based ByteDance.

The ban was instated to "protect Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data," per the state's attorney general office, an accusation lobbied by several lawmakers but something that TikTok has repeatedly denied is the case.

RELATED: Why Is the U.S. Threatening to Ban TikTok?

A spokesperson for TikTok told Reuters that the company was thrilled that Molloy had "rejected this unconstitutional law, and hundreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok."

The ruling, however, is still preliminary, according to a spokesperson for Montana State Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and "the analysis could change as the case proceeds."

TikTok did not immediately respond to Entrepreneur's request for comment.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.