TikTok has initiated legal proceedings aimed at preventing the state of Montana in the United States from implementing a ban that would prohibit residents from accessing its social media platform. The lawsuit was filed on Monday following Montana's recent enactment of a comprehensive ban on the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform, making it the first state in the country to do so.

In an official statement, TikTok asserted that the ban contradicts the constitutional rights to freedom of speech guaranteed in the United States. The popular social media platform has faced increasing scrutiny worldwide due to concerns that user data may be shared with the Chinese government.

In the United States District Court for the District of Montana, a lawsuit was filed on Monday by TikTok, seeking to reverse what it deems an "unlawful" ban. According to a spokesperson's statement, the company is taking legal action to protect its business and the numerous TikTok users residing in Montana.

Based on a solid foundation of precedents and factual evidence, TikTok firmly believes that their legal challenge will be successful. The lawsuit contends that the ban imposed in Montana infringes upon the constitutional right to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.

In the company's complaint, it is argued that the ban unlawfully suppresses the platform's role as a forum for expression, affecting all users and impinging upon their right to freely communicate.

Commencing in January 2024, a ban on TikTok in Montana is scheduled to be enforced. This ban will render it unlawful for app stores to offer the TikTok application; however, individuals who already possess TikTok will not be prohibited from using it.

As of last December, the Montana government had already banned the use of TikTok on government devices in the state, despite its relatively small population of just over one million residents.

TikTok claims to have approximately 150 million users in the United States. Although the app has witnessed growth in its user base in recent years, it remains most popular among teenagers and individuals in their twenties.

Nevertheless, concerns regarding the potential national security risks posed by TikTok persist across the political spectrum in the United States.

Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok has consistently denied being under the control of the Chinese government.

The lawsuit filed against Montana also asserts that the state has exceeded its jurisdiction by involving itself in matters concerning user data and national security, which fall under the purview of the federal government.

Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the ban is predicated on "unfounded speculation" regarding the ability of the Chinese government to access TikTok's data.

Legal representatives of the Montana government have previously acknowledged the likelihood of facing lawsuits and have expressed their readiness to defend the ban in court proceedings.