Florida Files Lawsuit Against TikTok
Florida officials have initiated legal action against TikTok, claiming the widely-used app has misled parents regarding the content children are exposed to, allegedly violating state laws aimed at protecting minors online.
The lawsuit was submitted on Monday in St. Lucie County’s state court. It asserts that TikTok has allowed users under the age of 14 to set up accounts, which contravenes Florida law, according to documents referenced by Fox News Digital.
“TikTok’s success hinges on its ability to engage children and teens,” said Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer in a statement. “The app deliberately misleads parents, putting their children at risk of encountering harmful and unsuitable content, thereby breaching Florida law.”
The state seeks a court ruling to compel TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to modify its platform to align with state law, alongside potential fines that could reach $50,000 for each violation cited in the lawsuit.
Further claims in the lawsuit suggest that TikTok downplays the volume and regularity of harmful content, such as pornography and drug use references, misleading parents regarding the dangers of granting their teens access to the app.
“The music, videos, and other content on TikTok include sexual themes, substance use, profane language, messages of self-harm, and other adult material—all of which is readily accessible to Florida adolescents,” the filing stated.
The complaint argues that TikTok’s business model relies on algorithms that capitalize on the addictive tendencies of younger users.
A TikTok representative informed Fox News Digital that the company is in discussions with the state attorney general’s office, aiming to ensure adherence to Florida laws.
Additionally, TikTok mentioned that it has alerted users under 14 that their accounts would be suspended.
“We are looking into the state’s allegations and are ready to defend our commitment to the safety of minors,” the spokesperson commented.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Florida Attorney General’s Office for a statement but did not receive an immediate reply.
The legislation, known as “HB 3,” came into effect on January 1, 2025. It bans social media platforms from allowing users under 14 to create accounts, and requires those under 16 to obtain parental consent before establishing a profile.
In the past, a federal judge had temporarily halted the enforcement of this law, ruling it unconstitutional. However, this decision is currently under review as the state challenges it in the Court of Appeals.
Previously, Florida filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, alleging they exploited features designed to engage users under 13, who are not permitted to have social media accounts according to state law.
That case against Snap is still ongoing.
Florida now joins over 25 states, including California and New York, in filing lawsuits against TikTok for misleading practices aimed at young users.
