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Montana Becomes First U.S. State to Ban Chinese-Owned TikTok

Montana Becomes First U.S. State to Ban Chinese-Owned TikTok

(CTN News) – On Wednesday, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed legislation banning the operation of Chinese-owned TikTok in the state to safeguard residents from alleged intelligence gathering by China.

Montana’s Ban on TikTok to Take Effect in 2024, Likely to Face Legal Challenges

TikTok will be banned in Montana, but users will not face legal repercussions. The ban only applies to software retailers like Google Play and the Apple Software Store. The ban goes into effect on January 1, 2024, and will almost certainly be challenged in court.

When asked by Reuters if it planned legal action, the Chinese tech company ByteDance, which owns TikTok, did not respond.

According to a statement released by the company, the new law “infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people of Montana by unlawfully banning TikTok,” and TikTok has promised to “continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana.”

Concerns about TikTok being influenced by the Chinese government have led to requests from U.S. senators and state officials for a statewide ban on the app, which has more than 150 million users in the United States alone.

Teenagers have taken to the app in droves. Sixty-seven percent of American teenagers aged 13 to 17 use TikTok, according to the Pew Research Centre, and sixteen percent of all teenagers report using the app fairly consistently. The “vast majority” of TikTok users are adults, the company says.

Congressional Committee Questions TikTok CEO on Data Privacy and Chinese Government Influence

The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, was questioned by a congressional panel in March over concerns that the Chinese government would be able to access user data or exert influence over what Americans see on the app.

However, legislative efforts to outright prohibit TikTok nationwide or provide the Biden administration expanded authority to regulate the platform have stalled.

In a statement, Republican state senator Greg Gianforte argued that the bill will help fulfill “our shared priority to protect Montanans from Chinese Communist Party surveillance.”

TikTok has rejected rumors that it has ever given user data to the Chinese government and has stated that it will not comply with such requests in the future.

If it continues to breach the restriction, TikTok could be fined up to $10,000 per day in Montana with just over 1 million population.

The mobile video app is available for download on Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and Google smartphones through their respective app stores.

If Apple or Google, an Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) subsidiary, breaks the restriction, each company could be fined $10,000 per day, per infringement.

Neither Apple nor Google responded right away to calls for comment.

The ACLU called the bill “unconstitutional” and warned it would take effect on January 1 if the courts did not stop it.

Former President Trump’s Attempt to Ban TikTok Blocked by Courts

“With this ban, Governor Gianforte and the Montana legislature have trampled on the free speech of hundreds of thousands of Montanans who use the app to express themselves, gather information, and run their small business in the name of anti-Chinese sentiment,” said Keegan Medrano, policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana.

The 2020 ban on new TikTok and WeChat downloads issued by the Commerce Department on behalf of then-President Donald Trump was rejected by numerous courts and never went into force.

Several Democratic members of Congress, most notably Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and First Amendment groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are on TikTok’s side when protecting users’ right to free expression.

General counsel for industry group NetChoice Carl Szabo also disapproves of the proposed legislation.

TikTok Working on Project Texas to Store American User Data in the U.S.

A statement he released claimed, “The government may not block our ability to access constitutionally protected speech,” adding that Montana “ignores the U.S. Constitution, due process, and free speech.”

Gianforte, who had tried to persuade the state legislature to expand the ban to include other social media apps that provide certain data to foreign adversaries, banned using all social media apps that collect and provide personal information or data to foreign adversaries on devices issued by the state government.

Project Texas is a new endeavor being developed by TikTok to form a separate organization for storing data from American users on servers owned and operated by Oracle (ORCL.N) in the United States.

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France Lifts TikTok Ban in New Caledonia After State of Emergency Ends

(CTN News) – In a pivotal move following the conclusion of a state of emergency in New Caledonia, France has lifted its ban on the TikTok social media app.

The ban was initially imposed two weeks ago amidst violent protests and unrest that left seven dead and many injured on the French-Pacific territory.

The decision to lift the ban coincides with the easing of tensions after President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the archipelago, where he pledged not to force through reforms to New Caledonia’s voting system.

The unrest erupted as indigenous Kanaks protested against planned electoral reforms, prompting the French government to declare a state of emergency.

New Caledonia Struggles for Peace

New Caledonia, with its population of about 300,000 people, including 112,000 indigenous Kanaks, saw widespread protests and violence, leading to the deployment of 3,500 security personnel to maintain calm.

Despite the lifting of the ban, an overnight curfew remains in effect, and the international airport in the capital, Nouméa, will remain closed until at least Sunday.

The ban on TikTok, which was circumvented by many users through VPNs, was criticized by various groups as an attack on freedom of communication. Authorities, however, cited the platform’s use in spreading incitement and hatred during the unrest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the French high commission in Nouméa indicated that the presence of law enforcement had contributed to the restoration of calm in the territory, justifying the decision to lift the TikTok ban.

French Member of Parliament Claude Malhuret raised concerns about foreign interference in the crisis, accusing countries like Azerbaijan of disseminating misleading images on social media to support separatist movements in New Caledonia.

Azerbaijan Accuses France of “Neo-Colonialist Policies”

Azerbaijan, in turn, rejected the allegations and criticized France for what it called “neo-colonialist policies.”

The decision not to extend the state of emergency beyond the initial 12 days reflects the Elysée Palace’s hopes for further calming of tensions, including the removal of roadblocks by protesters. These conditions are seen as essential for meaningful talks to begin.

While the pro-independence group CCAT has not signaled an end to protests, the main pro-independence group, FLNKS, is advocating for the withdrawal of France’s controversial voting reforms, which would grant voting rights to French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years.

The situation in New Caledonia remains fluid, with the French government closely monitoring developments in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and stability in the territory.

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TikTok’s Updated Guidelines Enhance Community Safety

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TikTok announced updates to its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new features aimed at empowering creators and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for the global community

(CTN News) – It has been reported that TikTok has released revised versions of its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new tools that are designed to provide the global community with a safe and pleasant environment, as well as to empower creators.

These enhancements will not be implemented until May 17, as indicated by a press release. They will encompass improved tools for monitoring account status, new features that simplify policy comprehension, and definitions that are more transparent and accessible.

The Community Guidelines on TikTok have been enhanced by the inclusion of definitions that are more easily comprehensible, as well as by increasing the quantity of information available regarding policies regarding content moderation, health misinformation, and hate speech.

Users will have a more comprehensive comprehension of TikTok’s policies and the methods used to enforce them as a result of these improvements, which will also increase the transparency of these procedures.

TikTok has instituted supplementary eligibility criteria to ensure that users are provided with a more secure environment.

The purpose of these requirements is to enhance the safety of the For You feed. If it is determined that a creator’s account has consistently posted content that violates these criteria, the account will be temporarily excluded from being recommended in the For You feed.

Another disadvantage is that the information they provide will be less prominently displayed in the search results. Whenever the opportunity arises, creators who are affected will receive notifications and will take advantage of the opportunity to contest these rulings.

TikTok is implementing a warning strike system to facilitate the understanding of the principles that the company has established by producers. The creator will receive a warning if they violate the Community Guidelines for the first time. This warning will not be deducted from the total number of strikes that have been assigned to their account.

Conversely, any subsequent violations will be subject to monitoring and appropriate punishment; this will be the case.

The founders of TikTok will be furnished with information regarding the specific guidelines that they have violated, and they will also be provided with assistance in understanding the appeals procedure for any errors that may have occurred.

TikTok will be introducing a new feature dubbed “Account Check” to offer supplementary assistance to content creators on the platform. Creators can audit their accounts and more recent postings with the assistance of this program. Furthermore, this application provides a comprehensive assessment of the creator’s status on the TikTok platform.

The ‘Account Check’ function will additionally indicate any content that has been withdrawn or restricted from the For You feed. It will also indicate any restrictions that have been implemented on features, such as direct messaging or remarks, as a consequence of violating the guidelines.

This utility serves as an adjunct to the current ‘Account status’ page. This page offers a comprehensive representation of a creator’s adherence to the platform’s regulations.

Furthermore, the TikTok Creator Code of Conduct is being introduced by TikTok.

This code will establish a set of standards for content producers who intend to engage in the diverse programs, services, events, and campaigns that TikTok has to offer.

This code, which will be implemented in the coming weeks, elucidates the obligations that creators have on and off the platform. The purpose of this is to guarantee that each participant has a consistent and positive experience.

With over one billion users worldwide, TikTok remains dedicated to improving the overall experience and the protection of its users. TikTok’s commitment to providing its creator community with the necessary resources and information to thrive on the platform is evident in these modifications.

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As the Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain, Users are Seeking Positive Alternatives

As the Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain, Users are Seeking Positive Alternatives

The fact that TikTok’s future is uncertain has made it even more important for users to have other sites they can use. Users can still express their creativity, connect with others, and be a part of groups that are focused on content creation with these alternatives. Given that ownership and rules could change, having a number of sites to select from lets users continue to share their skills and thoughts without any problems.

As we look at these other options, it’s important to keep in mind that social media is always changing. New platforms are always coming out to meet the needs of users. People who use these alternatives can broaden their views, find new features and tools, and connect with different groups. Users can deal with changes, find new chances, and stay connected in the digital world by choosing these options.

Fear not, though, because the internet is full of great options just waiting for TikTok’s die-hard fans to find them.

The Value of Supplemental Media Outlets

Having many platforms allows people to showcase their ability and ideas in new ways, which fosters creativity. Various features, tools, and effects are typically included with these platforms, allowing users to experiment with storytelling techniques and explore diverse creative styles. This is nothing new, even in the gaming industry. For example, if you’re not a fan of a game’s features or just want to try something different, you can always locate another one. This is especially true while playing for real money games or online casinos, where there are a variety of types. Here you may discover trustworthy websites such as Vegasslotsonline IN that provide in-depth reviews to assist you in making an informed decision. Creators may diversify their material and attract new audiences who might not be on these sites if they have different platforms to select from.

Let’s take a look at some of these tools that not only let you be creative but also build community and get people involved.

Triller

People can lose themselves in their favorite music and be creative at the same time. Utilizing the app’s extensive inventory of licensed music by well-known artists spanning a wide variety of genres, users are able to compose the ideal videos’ backdrops. Artists can express themselves through Triller’s extensive catalog, which includes the most recent mainstream hits, catchy hip-hop tracks, and old favorites alike.

Triller’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to make beautiful music movies. It’s easy for users to record and edit videos, adding cool effects, filters, transitions, and text layers to make their visual stories more interesting.

Likee

It is an entertaining alternative to TikTok that you should consider exploring. It has a large number of inventive options and users from all over the globe. It enables users to discover new artists and produce unique content that appeals to audiences worldwide.

Likee is distinctive in that it contains an extensive collection of special effects and a vast array of artistic tools. Users have the opportunity to enhance their films with an element of mystique by experimenting with an extensive selection of filters, decals, and augmented reality (AR) effects. Likee provides users with an extensive array of opportunities to manifest their imaginations and express their creativity, including the ability to transform into adorable animals and explore fantastical virtual worlds.

Byte

It makes me miss Vine, where people could hold someone’s attention for only a few seconds. Users are pushed to think outside the box and make the most of every second on the platform, which leads to new ways of telling stories and making people laugh. Byte enables users to create memorable short films with brilliant punchlines, funny skits, or captivating stop-motion animation.

One of Byte’s best features is that it makes people feel connected. People from all walks of life who love making entertaining material are drawn to the platform. Byte gives you the chance to meet people who like your unique style and share your artistic vision. The helpful community on Byte makes sure that your skills are noticed and praised by letting you work together on movies and compete in friendly games.

Instagram Reels

As a possible fill-in for TikTok, Instagram did something brave and added Reels as a straight competitor. This tool gives Instagram users an experience that is similar to TikTok, but in the familiar Instagram interface. Reels quickly became popular because it lets users make short movies set to music. It’s also become a popular alternative for people who are already using the platform.

The fact that Reels has so many users is one of its best features. With more than a billion daily users, Instagram gives creators a built-in audience to show off their skills to many people. With so many users, content has a chance to go viral and get seen by a lot of people, which can help writers become even more famous and popular.

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