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Here is what you need to know about the reason behind Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) being banned in the USA.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a fan-favorite in the mobile gaming community, particularly in Southeast Asia. However, recent developments have led to its ban in the United States. This has left many players puzzled and frustrated.
The ban is seemingly rooted in broader concerns over national security and data privacy. It has significantly impacted the game’s availability and its fervent player base. In this article, we will break down why the United States banned Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB).
Reason Behind Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) Banned in the USA
MLBB, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, launched in 2016 and quickly rose to become one of the most popular mobile games globally. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, acquired MOONTON for $4 billion, further cementing its position in the gaming industry.
The primary reason for banning MLBB in the United States revolves around data privacy and national security concerns linked to ByteDance. The U.S. government feels that ByteDance might unfairly share user data with Chinese authorities. Consequently, several ByteDance-owned applications, including TikTok, came under scrutiny and have faced bans.
In January 2025, the U.S. government mandated ByteDance to divest from TikTok and its other applications, shifting the ownership to non-Chinese entities. Non-compliance with this order resulted in the ban that extended to MLBB and other related games. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications Act played a crucial role in enforcing this ban. The act aims to safeguard sensitive user data from potential foreign access.
Impact of the Ban on Players
The ban has significantly impacted MLBB players in the United States. Players trying to access the game are encountering error messages indicating the game’s unavailability in their region. MOONTON has termed this as a “temporary suspension” and is actively seeking solutions to restore the game.
The MLBB esports scene has also suffered. Many professional players and teams in the U.S. find themselves in a limbo at the moment, unable to partake in tournaments and events. Although the developer has provided links to enable players to export their game data and manage their accounts, the future of the game remains uncertain.
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