Texas Sues TikTok for Alleged Children’s Privacy Law Violations

The state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the popular social media platform is violating children’s privacy and state laws. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claims that TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, fails to provide adequate tools for safeguarding children’s privacy and account settings. The lawsuit also alleges that the platform allows personal information from private accounts to be shared and permits targeted advertising to children.

These actions allegedly breach the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, a Texas law designed to protect minors’ personal data. Paxton seeks an injunction and up to $10,000 in civil penalties for each violation of the law. He emphasized that social media companies must prioritize children’s safety and comply with Texas regulations.

TikTok has refuted the accusations, stating, “We strongly disagree with these allegations. In fact, we offer robust safeguards for teens and parents, including Family Pairing… We stand by the protections we provide families.”

This lawsuit follows a broader pattern of scrutiny towards TikTok, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also investigating the platform for potential violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC is reportedly nearing the conclusion of its investigation, which could lead to a settlement or further legal action involving TikTok and its parent company.