Yesterday, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed a bill banning TikTok from operating in the state. For years, the app — owned by Beijing-based company ByteDance — has been in the hot seat amid national security concerns. Especially since TikTok has more than a billion users' data — including that of 150 million Americans. Local lawmakers, Congress, and the White House fear that TikTok could hand over user data to the Chinese gov and, in turn, manipulate content in the US. ByteDance has repeatedly said it has never provided any data to the Chinese gov. Still, at least 25 states and all federal agencies have banned TikTok from government-issued devices. Now, Montana is taking its ban further.
How so?
Starting January 1, the state's new law would ban TikTok in all capacities. Meaning, Montana would prohibit app stores like Google and Apple from making TikTok available to download in the state. The app and app stores could face a fine of $10,000 a day, if they violate the law. Individual users wouldn't face any fines, but the state said it plans to put hurdles in place to make it more difficult to download TikTok. However, experts are still questioning how Montana plans to enforce the ban.
What else?
Montana's new law says there is one way a ban can be avoided: If ByteDance sells the app to another country that the US does not consider "as a foreign adversary" — something that's unlikely to happen. In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said the measure "infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people of Montana," and that it would work "to defend the rights of our users." The ACLU also said the law violates free speech. Google and Apple have not commented. Meanwhile, experts predict the law will be challenged in court.
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TikTok has come to the rescue during pandemic boredom, work commutes, and doom-scrolling while waiting at the doctor's office. However, lawmakers are less focused on Emily Mariko's undercooked-looking pumpkin pie and more focused on national security implications. Now, it looks like Montana is tired of waiting and doing things its way.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Yesterday, he signed a number of bills targeting drag shows, bathroom use, and transgender children. The Republican-controlled state legislature passed all of these measures earlier this year — sparking backlash among LGBTQIA+ advocates. Now, one of the bills that DeSantis signed expands the critic-dubbed "Don't Say Gay" law to include eighth graders (up from third grade). Teachers, faculty, and students are also restricted from using their preferred pronouns in public schools. A separate bill bans transgender children from getting gender-affirming treatments. Another measure allows the Florida government to remove the licenses from places that allow children at an "adult live performance," which includes drag shows. DeSantis says the state will "remain a refuge of sanity and a citadel of normalcy." Critics have called the laws an "all-out attack on freedom."
…Oh and speaking of the Sunshine State, Penguin Random House, an advocacy group, and parents are suing a Florida school district for removing books about race and the LGBTQIA+ community. They're arguing it violates the First Amendment by "depriving students of access to a wide range of viewpoints."
What was giving the world flashbacks...
A royal car chase. Yesterday, a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said they were in a "near catastrophic car chase" with the paparazzi. On Tuesday night, the couple and Markle's mother were leaving an award ceremony in NYC when paparazzi followed them. The couple's team said a "relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers." The NYPD confirmed that police helped the couple's security team amid their "challenging" travel. However, authorities didn't call it a chase. Neither did the taxi driver who briefly helped the family. Police said there were no crashes, injuries, or arrests. The incident has put a spotlight on the couple's strained relationship with the paparazzi and media. Prince Harry has blamed the paparazzi for playing a role in the car crash that killed his mother, Princess Diana.
Who's paying up…
Deutsche Bank. Yesterday, lawyers said the bank agreed to pay $75 million to victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Last year, an anonymous woman, who said she was abused by Epstein, sued Deutsche Bank. Jane Doe argued the bank helped facilitate Epstein's sex trafficking ring by ignoring red flags, saying they "chose profit over following the law." Now, the money is expected to go to dozens of victims. Deutsche Bank hasn't commented yet, but reportedly didn't admit to doing anything wrong as part of the settlement. This could be one of the largest sex trafficking settlements involving a bank.
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