It is worth noting that the TikTok ban has already been applied to government devices and devices connected to the government network since December. However, the latest policy extends the restrictions to a number of other important programs.

Among the new prohibited applications are:

• Telegram,
• WeChat,
• Temu shopping app.

The reason for the ban is alleged links with foreign enemies. The governor’s executive order called for the immediate removal of these practices from government apparatus and all government business operations.

What’s wrong with banned apps?

When choosing these programs, Governor Gianforte seems to have focused primarily on those with ties to China. ByteDance, owner of TikTok, is based in China, Pinduoduo, owner of Temu, and Tencent, owner of WeChat, are also Chinese companies.

Telegram was founded in Russia but now operates out of Dubai. Gianforte’s Telegram ban stems from these concerns: Russian government uses app to track users and the collection of personal and confidential information, which echoes a report published in February by Wired magazine.

The new policy, announced by Governor Gianforte, will take effect on June 1. It extends the ban on these programs to all government devices, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and other Internet-connected devices. The ban also applies to third-party firms doing business on or on behalf of the State of Montana.