U.S. 3rd District Court Judge Richard Daynes has denied online video-sharing platform TikTok’s motion to dismiss Utah’s October 2023 lawsuit aimed at addressing the harmful impact of the platform on children. The lawsuit, brought by the Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection and represented by the Utah Attorney General’s office, accuses TikTok of luring young users into addictive behaviors and misleading them about the app’s safety features.
“We are thrilled with the court’s ruling,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. “Today’s decision is a crucial step forward in our battle against the harmful practices of TikTok. We refuse to let a social media giant evade responsibility for its role in fostering addiction and exposing our children to multifarious threats. This case is all about safeguarding our kids and holding TikTok accountable for its actions.”
Reyes said the lawsuit comes after an extensive investigation by the Division of Consumer Protection which revealed concerns that TikTok’s practices could be likened to “digital nicotine,” promoting unhealthy engagement among young Utahans. The division has been proactive in pursuing accountability, with this case being among the first of its kind in the nation amid rising scrutiny of TikTok by various state and federal enforcers.
“We are steadfast in our mission to protect our children from predatory and exploitative behavior,” said Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “TikTok’s deceptive practices must be addressed, and we will continue our fight to ensure the welfare of Utah’s children is prioritized.”
The court ruling allows Utah’s complaint to go to trial, reinforcing the state’s position against TikTok’s alleged misconduct, Busse said. In addition, the state plans to advance a separate complaint filed in 2024 targeting TikTok’s LIVE platform, which has been linked to the exploitation of minors and potential money laundering.