Florida suing TikTok for allegedly exposing kids to harmful content and decieving parents
Florida officials took aim at tech giant TikTok in a new lawsuit alleging the popular app misled parents about the content shown on its algorithm while operating in violation of the state’s online child protection laws.The lawsuit, filed Monday in state court in St.Lucie County, alleged the popular app violated Florida law by allowing children under the age of 14 to create accounts on its platform, according to a court filing obtained by Fox News Digital.“TikTok’s success hinges on its ability to addict children and teenagers to the platform,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a statement.
“TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law.”The state requested a court order requiring TikTok owner ByteDance modify its platform to be in compliance with Florida law, while also seeking up to $50,000 in penalties for each alleged violation, the filing states.The lawsuit also alleged that TikTok is “actively deceiving Florida parents about the risks of allowing their teens to access this platform,” by misrepresenting the volume and frequency of harmful content shown on its platform, such as pornography and depictions of drug use.“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 continued.Florida’s complaint alleged TikTok’s business model disproportionately relies on algorithms that prey on addictive behavior among younger users.In a statement 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...