Montana is banning TikTok. But can the state enforce the law and fend off a lawsuit?

Proponents of the law in Montana claim the Chinese government could harvest US user data from TikTok and use the platform to push pro-Beijing misinformation or messages to the public. — AP

NEW YORK: Montana's first-of-its kind law that makes it illegal for residents to use TikTok in the state is already facing its first legal challenge with a lawsuit filed by five people who use the app and argue the law is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights.

Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed it into law Wednesday expecting a legal fight would follow. The law, which isn't scheduled to take effect until Jan 1, 2024, also faces a litany of questions over whether the state can even enforce the law.