Utah Files Lawsuit Against TikTok for Deceptive Practices

Utah has become the latest state to take legal action against TikTok, alleging that the popular social media platform deceived its users about its connection to its Chinese parent company and falsely presented itself as a secure platform. This lawsuit follows similar legal actions by Arkansas and Indiana against TikTok, while Montana has chosen to outright ban the app, a decision contested by TikTok and its creators. These state-level initiatives targeting TikTok contrast with the lack of progress in Washington, where proposed legislation that could potentially result in a TikTok ban has stalled, despite an initial wave of bipartisan support. This situation highlights how individual states are taking the lead on various technology policy issues due to the challenges associated with passing legislation at the federal level.

Utah’s Governor, Spencer Cox, cited research on the impact of social media on adolescents, including a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General, in announcing the lawsuit. He emphasized the need for social media companies to be held accountable for the negative consequences they might have on users. In the filed complaint, Utah’s Attorney General, Sean Reyes, alleges that TikTok violated the state’s consumer protection laws in three specific ways.

TikTok, in response to the lawsuit, defended its safety measures, stating, “TikTok has industry-leading safeguards for young people, including an automatic 60-minute time limit for users under 18 and parental controls for teen accounts. We will continue to work to keep our community safe by tackling industry-wide challenges.” One of the central concerns regarding TikTok has been its ownership by a Chinese-based company, as this could potentially entail sharing internal information if the Chinese government raises national security concerns.

The lawsuit also focuses on broader issues that many individuals have raised about social media platforms in general, not exclusive to TikTok. It highlights features like TikTok’s vertical swipe, likening it to a slot machine that encourages users to keep coming back for the dopamine rush. Utah has taken a proactive approach to safeguarding its residents from the perceived harmful effects of social media, passing two laws earlier this year to implement substantial restrictions aimed at protecting children online. These restrictions include limiting the hours when minors can access social media platforms, requiring age verification for account maintenance, and granting parents access to their children’s accounts, even private messages.

Critics, including privacy advocates and LGBTQ+ rights activists, have expressed concerns that such restrictions may inadvertently lead to more invasive practices to verify the age of all users. Additionally, giving parents broad access to children’s accounts could potentially endanger kids in abusive households, according to opponents of the legislation.

In conclusion, Utah’s legal action against TikTok is part of a broader trend where states are taking the lead in regulating and holding social media companies accountable for their practices. It remains to be seen how these lawsuits and regulatory efforts will impact the future of social media platforms like TikTok.