Montana’s “Unofficial Ambassador” Criticizes State’s Reckless COVID Response

Montana’s pending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, has caused mixed reactions from the state’s residents, particularly content creators like Christian W. Poole. A 20-year-old and born-and-bred Montanan, Poole has amassed a considerable social media following, mainly on TikTok, where he offers insight on the culture, everyday life, and quirks of the state. One follower even dubbed him “the unofficial ambassador” of Montana. Poole’s concerns about the ban have less to do with money matters and more to do with losing connection with his followers, whom he has grown to love and befriend.

Banning TikTok: Overreaching Government Control or Protection from Privacy Breaches?

Montana’s Governor, Greg Gianforte, signed Senate Bill 419 banning TikTok in Montana due to privacy concerns over the app as it is owned by a Chinese company. While Montana is the first state to pursue an outright ban on the app, a handful of others have moved to restrict its download on government phones and school-owned devices. The Chinese government’s access to user data is not confirmed, but laws allow it to obtain information upon request.

Many content creators and ordinary users have expressed concern that Montana’s pending ban could be the first step towards more significant government control, leading to significant infringement of freedom of speech and the press. Christian W. Poole voiced these concerns and says that if the Montana TikTok ban is upheld, it could create a precedent leading to rampant censorship of other platforms.

Meanwhile, Governor Gianforte defends the ban, stating that it protects Montanans’ private data and sensitive personal information from being harvested by the Chinese Communist Party. However, critics argue that the move infringes on citizens’ right to free speech and that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that TikTok is a threat to national security.

Advice for TikTok Users and Content Creators

If the Montana TikTok ban takes effect, content creators like Christian W. Poole will have to migrate their followers to alternative platforms, which can be challenging. However, content creators can start building their audience on several social media platforms to avoid abrupt disruptions in the event of such bans. Platforms like Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter are viable options for Montana’s TikTok users and other creators.

Moreover, even as the TikTok ban faces legal challenges, it would be wise for users to take precautions, such as placing personal information on public profiles. They should also consider alternatives when using Taobao, WeChat, and other Chinese social media platforms that could pose similar privacy concerns in the future.

Final Thoughts

The fact that Montana is the first state to ban TikTok outright raises the question of whether other states or countries may follow in its footsteps. While it is important to consider privacy concerns surrounding popular apps and social media outlets, this must be balanced against constitutionally-protected freedoms and individual rights. Governments should also avoid overreaching when attempting to regulate social media outlets or other digital platforms. Instead, they should pursue measures that meet citizens’ legitimate safety and security concerns without infringing on their rights.

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