Authorities around the globe have started being a bit more serious about child safety online, and rightly so. In the past, multiple regulators have directed social media platforms, including TikTok, to restrict access for kids aged under 14. Well, it seems TikTok isn’t complying with the order, at least in Florida. A new lawsuit filed by the state of Florida claims that TikTok isn’t complying with its child safety law, which requires a complete social media ban for kids in that age group.
Florida files lawsuit against TikTok for violating social media ban for kids under 14
The lawsuit, filed on Monday by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, claims that TikTok still allows kids under 14 to create and maintain accounts despite a dedicated social media ban. Uthmeier also alleges that TikTok fails to get parental consent for kids under 14 and 15 years before sign up. To catch you up, Florida’s social media law, aka HB3, took effect in January 2025.
According to the lawsuit, TikTok is “actively deceiving” parents about the risks children face on the app. State officials further accuse the company of violating consumer protection laws by downplaying the prevalence of sensitive content.“Even though videos with alcohol, tobacco, and drug content are readily available on TikTok, Defendants tell consumers in the App Store that ‘alcohol, tobacco, and drug . . . references’ are ‘infrequent/mild’ on the platform,” the lawsuit alleges.
In a statement provided to The Verge, TikTok spokesperson Jamie Favazza pushed back on the claims made in the Florida lawsuit. Favazza said that the platform has been working with state officials. She further noted that TikTok “notified users under 14 in Florida that their accounts will be suspended.”
Many social media platforms are facing scrutiny around the globe
In recent past, other social media apps like Instagram and YouTube have been in legal hot water across globe. Both apps have been accused of intentionally keeping a design that makes kids and teenagers hooked on the platform. Here, it’s worth noting that governments around the globe are actively implementing social media bans for kids. Most of it comes from the multiple studies that warned their adverse effects on mental health and overall well-being. Recently, Canada also introduced a new bill that requires a complete ban on social media for anyone aged under 16.
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