Florida officials have filed a new lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the app of misleading parents about the content its algorithm shows and operating in violation of the state’s online child protection laws. The lawsuit was filed in state court in St. Lucie County and claims TikTok violated Florida law by permitting children under 14 to create accounts on its platform, according to court documents accessed by Fox News Digital.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated, “TikTok’s success hinges on its ability to addict children and teenagers to the platform.” He accused TikTok of deliberately deceiving parents and exposing children to harmful content, contravening Florida law. The state seeks a court order mandating that TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, modify its platform to comply with Florida regulations and faces up to $50,000 in penalties for each violation.
The lawsuit additionally alleges that TikTok misleads Florida parents regarding the potential risks their teens face on the platform. It cites inappropriate content, such as pornography and drug use depictions, as prevalent on the app. “Music, videos, and other content available on the TikTok app contain sexual content, drugs, alcohol, intense profanity, self-harm messages, and other X-rated content, all of which are frequently and easily accessible at the fingertips and swipes of Florida tweens and teens,” the lawsuit further details.
Florida claims TikTok’s business model heavily relies on algorithms that exploit addictive behavior in younger users. A report points out that over half of the top 100 mental health videos on TikTok contain misinformation.
In response, a TikTok spokesperson informed Fox News Digital that the company is engaging with the state attorney general and aims to ensure compliance with Florida law. The platform has begun notifying users younger than 14 about account suspensions. “We are evaluating the state’s complaint and are prepared to defend our strong record on minor safety,” the spokesperson mentioned.
The state’s hotline did not yet provide additional comments. Privacy groups and some parents have voiced support for actions against TikTok, while others criticize these actions as “anti-democratic.”
The Florida lawsuit adds the state to over 25 states, such as New York and California, that have sued TikTok over deceptive practices and the exploitation of young users. A law named H.B. 3, effective Jan. 1, 2025, bars social media firms from allowing sub-14 users to create accounts and requires parental consent for users under 16. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law’s enforcement, marking it unconstitutional, although the ruling is under appeal.
Previously, Florida took legal action against Snap Inc., Snapchat’s owner, for allegedly targeting users below the age of 13 through addictive features. This lawsuit continues to progress.
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