The Texas Attorney General’s office has initiated legal action against TikTok, alleging violations of state law concerning the protection of children’s personal information. Attorney General Ken Paxton has accused the popular short video app of “exploiting Texas children” by sharing sensitive personal data without obtaining the necessary parental consent. This lawsuit highlights the growing concerns surrounding the online safety of minors in an era where digital platforms increasingly interact with young users.
The lawsuit is based on Texas’ Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act (SCOPE), which explicitly prohibits tech companies from disclosing, selling, or sharing a minor’s personal identifying information (PII) without explicit permission from a parent or legal guardian. Attorney General Paxton emphasized that social media companies are required to provide parents with tools to manage and control the privacy settings of their children’s accounts. He claims TikTok has failed to comply with these requirements, allowing children’s PII to be shared even from accounts that are set to “private,” which can expose minors to targeted advertising and potential exploitation.
In addition to seeking an injunction against TikTok, the lawsuit also demands civil penalties that could amount to $10,000 for each violation. This move signals a broader push by Texas authorities to hold technology companies accountable for their practices, particularly concerning the safeguarding of minors’ data. As part of the lawsuit, Paxton declared that “Big Tech companies are on notice” and stressed the importance of ensuring children’s online safety and privacy.
As of now, TikTok has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The company finds itself in a precarious position, already facing challenges from the U.S. government regarding its operations in the country due to concerns over its Chinese ownership. The ongoing legal battle in Texas could further complicate the platform’s ability to navigate regulatory landscapes, putting its future in the U.S. at risk while raising critical questions about digital privacy and the responsibilities of social media companies in protecting young users.
