<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">Montana has become the first US state to pass legislation banning TikTok on personal devices.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been accused of posing a national security risk through data gathered from users.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte, the ban could come into effect in January.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The company has suggested that it would take legal action to fight the Montana bill.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bill, known as SB 419, passed by a vote of 54 to 43. It cites a number of concerns about TikTok, including alleged surveillance from the Chinese government.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Violations of the bill could carry a penalty of up to $10,000 (£8,000), which would be enforced by Montana's Department of Justice. The penalties apply to companies, rather than individual users.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr Gianforte, a Republican who previously banned the app on the devices of government employees, is expected to sign it. BBC</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>