Utah files lawsuit alleging TikTok Live exposes kids to potential harm.
TikTok Live is a platform where users can broadcast live videos and interact with viewers. This feature allows live streamers to receive virtual gifts from viewers. Users under 18 years old are not allowed to host live streams.
Recently, Utah's Attorney General, Sean Reyes, filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing it of operating like a "virtual strip club" and allowing children to be enticed into doing inappropriate acts on camera for money. The suit also claims that TikTok lacks proper age verification and enforcement measures to ensure a safe usage environment.
The lawsuit alleges that since before December 2023, TikTok was aware of the presence of sexual content during livestreams, especially among underage content creators.
In a statement, TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes stated that the platform has strict policies and measures in place to protect the safety of younger users. Only those above 18 years old can host live streams, and their account must meet certain requirements. If they find any accounts that do not comply with age requirements, features are immediately revoked.
This lawsuit is the second filed by Utah's attorney general against TikTok, with the first one alleging that the app was damaging the mental health of young users, similar to other claims made by Arkansas and New York City against the platform. TikTok has responded, saying it provides tools to support young users such as automated time limits.
The lawsuit also comes at a crucial time for TikTok, which could potentially face a ban in the United States due to a new law requiring the app to be sold to a new owner or be removed from app stores. TikTok is fighting to block this law, citing it violates the First Amendment.
The lawsuit, heavily redacted, reveals that TikTok has known about the misuse of its live feature but has not taken enough action to resolve the issue. In September 2022, an investigator found that "within minutes of browsing the [LIVE] feed" they encountered underage girls providing sexually suggestive content in return for money and young boys using filters to appear as girls to receive gifts.
It is also alleged that children may be coerced into sending monetary gifts to other users during live streams, with the promise of fame, "likes," shout-outs, and gifts from the streamer.
The attorney general of Utah is seeking a jury trial for this case.
TikTok is now faced with two lawsuits related to child safety, a potential ban in the United States, and accusations of being harmful to young users. The app has insisted it is committed to ensuring the safety of teen users and providing tools to support their well-being. However, the recent developments may put the future of the app in question.
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In response to the lawsuit, TikTok's tech team is working on enhancing their age verification system and increasing their efforts to monitor live streams for inappropriate content. The business side of TikTok is also engaging in talks with potential buyers to comply with the potential US ban.
