Texas AG sues TikTok for allegedly violating child safety law

Law, which came into effect in September 2024, prohibits sharing minors’ personal information without parental consent

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of violating the state’s new child safety law, the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (SCOPE).

Paxton claims TikTok has not complied with the law, particularly regarding the handling of personal data from minors.

While TikTok offers a “Family Pairing” feature that allows parents to monitor and control their children’s accounts, the lawsuit argues that the system is inadequate.

Paxton’s office alleges that the feature does not properly verify the identity of parents or guardians and gives minors too much control over whether to allow parental supervision.

According to the lawsuit, TikTok unlawfully shares minors' personal information, including names, usernames, and profile images, without obtaining proper parental consent.

The lawsuit also criticizes TikTok for requiring parents to create their own accounts to access the parental controls, which Paxton deems an unnecessary barrier.

Paxton emphasized the need for social media companies to prioritize children's online privacy and adhere to the state’s legal requirements. "TikTok and other tech companies cannot ignore their duties under Texas law," he said.

In response, TikTok expressed disagreement with the allegations, stating that it offers robust safeguards for teens and families, including the very features Paxton criticizes.

The company maintains that its "Family Pairing" option provides families with the necessary tools to manage children's online activity safely.

The lawsuit is part of broader concerns about tech companies’ handling of minors' data, as US lawmakers push for stronger regulations on child safety online.

Paxton’s office is seeking a jury trial and penalties of $10,000 for each violation of the SCOPE Act, along with an injunction to prevent further breaches by TikTok.

This legal action comes amid ongoing scrutiny of TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, over its data privacy practices and alleged connections to the Chinese government.

These concerns have intensified the debate over whether TikTok should be banned in the US.

The TikTok "October theory" has also been gaining traction, with users suggesting that the month brings about significant life changes, dramatic twists, and a sense of renewal.

Many claim that October feels like a second New Year, inspiring shifts in personal and professional aspects of life.

Influencers such as Macy Morgan and Chloe Evan Berkel have shared their thoughts on why the month seems to hold such significance.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for tech companies and their responsibilities in protecting children’s online privacy.