The state of Texas has launched a legal battle against TikTok, raising serious concerns about the social media giant’s handling of children’s online privacy.
At a Glance
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok.
- The lawsuit claims TikTok endangers the online safety and privacy of Texas children.
- TikTok allegedly shared children’s personal identifying information without parental consent.
- Paxton seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Texas Takes Legal Action
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform compromises the safety and privacy of young Texans by improperly sharing personal data. Paxton emphasizes, “Texas law requires social media companies to take steps to protect kids online and requires them to provide parents with tools to do the same.”
The lawsuit, filed in a Galveston County court, accuses TikTok of violating the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act. The Act mandates parental consent before sharing, disclosing, or selling a minor’s information, and requires tools for parents to manage account privacy.
🔵 Texas attorney general sues TikTok for alleged sharing of children's personal data
(Reuters) – TikTok has been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who on Thursday accused the social media platform of violating state law by sharing children's personal identifying… pic.twitter.com/qF0ug87FMm
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) October 3, 2024
Allegations Against TikTok
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok failed to comply with SCOPE Act requirements, endangering Texas children’s online safety. TikTok’s Family Pairing feature is criticized for its ineffective verification of parental identities. The platform is also accused of allowing data sharing from “private” accounts and targeting advertisements towards children.
Attorney General Paxton demands civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and seeks injunctive relief to prevent future offenses. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, reportedly did not immediately respond to the allegations.
The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit highlights a growing awareness and demand for accountability in how tech companies manage the data and privacy of minors. Paxton stresses the importance of holding TikTok and similar platforms responsible for prioritizing online safety.
“I will continue to hold TikTok and other Big Tech companies accountable for exploiting Texas children and failing to prioritize minors’ online safety and privacy,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Texas law requires social media companies to take steps to protect kids online.”
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for future legal actions aimed at protecting children’s privacy online. It marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between state authorities and major technology firms over digital privacy rights.
