Texas filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Thursday, claiming the social media platform violated state law by collecting and sharing children’s personal information without parental consent.
The lawsuit, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, focuses on how TikTok allegedly failed to comply with laws designed to protect children online.
It accuses the platform of collecting sensitive data, including names and contact details, without proper parental approval.
Legal Action and Penalties
Attorney General Paxton’s office seeks civil penalties that could reach up to $10,000 per violation.
These charges stem from alleged breaches of the state’s Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (SCOPE Act). The act was passed to strengthen online privacy protections for minors. It requires platforms like TikTok to obtain explicit parental permission before collecting personal information from children.
The lawsuit calls for an injunction to halt TikTok’s practices that allegedly violate the SCOPE Act. This could lead to stricter regulations for the company’s data collection processes, particularly concerning minors.
TikTok’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The lawsuit was filed in a state court in Galveston County, Texas. As of now, TikTok has not provided an official response to the allegations or the lawsuit. However, this case adds to the growing scrutiny the platform faces over privacy and data security concerns, particularly in relation to minors.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
Bigger Picture: Privacy Laws and Social Media
This legal action marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over children’s safety on social media. An increasing number of children are using platforms like TikTok. This means lawmakers and regulators are under pressure to ensure these companies follow strict privacy standards.
This case could set a precedent for how social media platforms handle data from young users, not just in Texas but across the United States.
What Lies Ahead for TikTok?
This lawsuit could have significant implications for TikTok’s operations. If Texas wins, the company may face hefty fines and could be forced to revise its data collection policies, particularly regarding minors.
It’s also possible that other states could follow Texas’s lead and pursue similar legal actions, increasing the pressure on TikTok and other social media giants to enhance privacy protections for young users.
