Over a dozen states sue TikTok, joining Utah’s legal battle

Photo: Unsplash // Solen Feyissa

SALT LAKE CITY — Over a dozen states filed lawsuits against TikTok, Inc. in state courts Tuesday, joining Utah in its legal battle against the social media giant over alleged harmful practices targeting children and minors.

The wave of legal challenges follows Utah’s initial lawsuit filed a year ago by the state’s Division of Consumer Protection. In December, the Utah Attorney General’s Office won a motion compelling TikTok to comply with the Division’s subpoenas, revealing evidence that the company had built a revenue stream from exploiting minors on its platform.

“Today is a win for children and families in America as multiple states join Utah in the fight against TikTok’s aggressive actions that endanger and exploit minors for financial gain,” said Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes in a press release.

Reyes added, “Within the last year since filing our initial lawsuit, TikTok has continually shown its blatant disregard for child safety.”

The disclosure of TikTok’s practices has strengthened the legal stance against the company, resulting in Utah filing a second lawsuit and prompting other states to take similar action.

Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of these efforts. “We are unwavering in our mission to protect our youth from the harmful influence of online platforms that exploit their vulnerability,” Busse said.

Utah has also taken legal action against Meta and introduced several laws aimed at protecting minors on social media platforms. The state’s Division of Consumer Protection is scheduled for a hearing on October 10, 2024, to determine whether redactions in its complaint over TikTok LIVE will be made public.