New Jersey is co-leading a multistate investigation into TikTok to determine if the platform violates consumer protection laws by using techniques that increase engagement among young users, potentially causing mental and physical harm. The investigation will examine what TikTok knows about these harms to children, teenagers, and young adults.
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Social MediaTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TikTok for deceptively promoting its app as safe for children despite the prevalence of inappropriate and explicit content. The action alleges violations of the SCOPE Act, which protects children's online privacy, and follows a previous lawsuit regarding data privacy issues.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 14 attorneys general filed lawsuits against TikTok for misleading about platform safety and violating COPPA by collecting children's data without parental consent. The lawsuits allege that TikTok's addictive features harm young people's mental health and that the company falsely claims its safety tools are effective. The coalition seeks to stop these practices and impose financial penalties.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that a coalition of 22 attorneys general is escalating efforts to force TikTok to comply with a multistate investigation into harm to youth mental health. TikTok has failed to fully comply with court orders to preserve evidence and produce documents, impeding the investigation. The coalition is urging a Tennessee court to enforce its orders.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TikTok for sharing minors' personal identifying information without parental consent, violating the SCOPE Act. The AG is seeking civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and injunctive relief to prevent future violations.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong requested a meeting with TikTok leadership to address the harmful impact of viral challenges like 'Devious Licks' and 'Slap a Teacher' on student and educator safety. The AG criticized TikTok's enforcement of its terms of service and urged reforms to prevent the spread of dangerous content.
A former employee of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families was indicted for allegedly leaking confidential child protection case information in exchange for bribes. The defendant, Susaida Nazario, misused her access to provide case details to an unauthorized individual, compromising sensitive children's data.