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Florida officials targeted tech company TikTok in a new lawsuit alleging the popular app misled parents about the content shown in its algorithm while violating the state's online child protection laws.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in the district court in St. Lucie County, alleges that the popular app is violating Florida law by allowing children under the age of 14 to create accounts on its site, according to a court filing obtained by Fox News Digital.
“TikTok's success depends on its ability to get kids and teens hooked on the platform,” said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. in the statement. “TikTok is intentionally deceiving parents and allowing children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law.”
The state has asked for a court order requiring TikTok owner ByteDance to change its platform to comply with Florida law, while seeking up to $50,000 in penalties for each alleged violation, the filings said.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Monday saying the app misleads parents about its content algorithm and violates the state's online child protection laws. (Office of the Attorney General)
The lawsuit also alleged that TikTok is “actively misleading Florida parents about the risks of allowing their teens to access the platform,” by misrepresenting the amount and frequency of harmful content displayed on its site, such as pornography and drug use images.
“The music, videos, and other content available on the TikTok app contain sexual, drug, alcohol, profanity, self-harming messages, and other X-rated content, all of which are often and easily available at the fingertips and swipes of Florida tweens and teenagers,” the lawsuit continued.
The Florida complaint alleges that TikTok's business model is disproportionately dependent on algorithms that feed addiction among young users.
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Florida officials are accusing TikTok of violating state law by allowing children under the age of 14 to create accounts on the app, according to a lawsuit filed Monday. (stock)
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a TikTok spokesperson said the company is in contact with the state attorney general and is working to ensure the platform operates in accordance with Florida law.
The company also said it has informed users under the age of 14 that their accounts will be suspended.
“We are considering the state's complaint and are committed to protecting our strong record of safety,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Florida Attorney General's Office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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Florida now joins more than 25 states that have filed lawsuits against TikTok alleging deceptive practices and exploitation of new users. (Stock)
The law, titled HB 3 and implemented Jan. 1, 2025, prohibits social media companies from allowing users under 14 to create accounts on their platform, and requires children under 16 to obtain parental consent before creating a profile.
A federal judge previously blocked the implementation of the law after finding it unconstitutional. However, the decision has been temporarily put on hold as the state continues to challenge the decision in the appeals court.
Last year, in Florida filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the owner of Snapchat, alleging that the company uses addictive features to target users under the age of 13, who are already allowed to open social media accounts under state law.
The federal case against Snap Inc. it's still going on.
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Florida is now joining more than 25 states – including New York and California – filed lawsuits against TikTok alleging deceptive practices and exploitation of new users.
