Texas has initiated a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the popular social media platform violated children’s privacy rights and state law by sharing minors’ personal identifying information without obtaining consent from their parents or legal guardians. The lawsuit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, aims to secure an injunction against TikTok and seeks civil penalties that could amount to $10,000 for each violation of the state’s Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (SCOPE Act).
In his statement, Paxton emphasized that TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, fails to provide adequate tools for safeguarding children’s privacy and managing account settings. He pointed out that the platform permits the sharing of information even from accounts designated as “private” and engages in targeted advertising directed at children. “TikTok and other large technology companies must be held accountable for exploiting Texas children and failing to prioritize minors’ online safety and privacy,” Paxton asserted.
The lawsuit has been filed in Galveston County, Texas state court, but TikTok has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the legal action. This move highlights the growing scrutiny over social media companies and their responsibility to protect young users amid increasing concerns about privacy and online safety.
As the legal battle unfolds, it will likely prompt further discussions about how social media platforms handle data privacy, particularly concerning children, and whether existing regulations are sufficient to protect minors in an increasingly digital landscape.
