Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Monday, alleging the social media platform is violating a 2024 Florida law designed to protect minors online and deceiving parents about the content children access. The complaint centers on House Bill 3, which took effect in January and prohibits children under 14 from creating social media accounts while requiring parental consent for users ages 15 and 16.
Uthmeier stated that TikTok's business model depends on addicting children and teenagers to its platform while knowingly misleading parents. "TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law," the attorney general said. The lawsuit contends that TikTok misrepresents the types of content available on the platform, downplaying the prevalence of mature themes such as sexual content, drug use, profanity, self-harm and eating disorders despite marketing the app as appropriate for users 13 and older.
Beyond the alleged violations of HB 3, Florida's complaint charges TikTok with engaging in deceptive and unfair trade practices under the state's consumer protection laws by misleading parents about platform safety and content moderation. State attorneys argue that TikTok has long understood the risks its platform poses to young users but continues pursuing growth strategies that target children and teenagers rather than addressing these concerns.
The lawsuit represents a significant enforcement action under Florida's social media law since its implementation earlier this year. The legal challenge reflects a broader national trend of states taking action against social media companies over youth safety concerns. The outcome could establish important precedent for how other states enforce similar restrictions and determine the extent to which social media companies may face liability for allowing underage users or exposing them to inappropriate material. TikTok has not yet responded to the allegations filed in Florida court.