Florida sues TikTok over alleged violations of child social media law
The state says TikTok lets some Florida teens use the app without meeting age and parental consent rules; TikTok says under-14 accounts will be suspended.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
3 min read
Florida has sued TikTok, accusing the company of breaking a state child safety law that restricts minors’ access to social media. The case adds to a growing legal fight over whether major platforms are doing enough to keep children off apps or warn parents about risks.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, says TikTok has allowed 13-year-olds in Florida to keep using the service despite a state law that bars children under 14 from creating social media accounts, according to the complaint. The state also alleges TikTok is “actively deceiving” parents about dangers associated with the platform.
Florida’s law, known as HB3, requires social media platforms to block accounts for children under 14. It also requires 14- and 15-year-olds to have parental consent before signing up, according to the state’s claims described in the lawsuit.
Florida says TikTok failed on both fronts. The complaint alleges the company did not require parental approval for some 14- and 15-year-old users and continued to make the app available to 13-year-olds in the state.
TikTok US spokesperson Jamie Favazza said the company has been working “constructively and in good faith” with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office. Favazza said TikTok has told users under 14 in Florida that their accounts will be suspended.
Consumer protection claims
The state’s case goes beyond age limits. Uthmeier also claims TikTok has violated consumer protection laws by misleading parents about what children may encounter on the app.
The lawsuit points to TikTok’s App Store disclosures, according to the complaint. Florida alleges TikTok tells consumers that references to alcohol, tobacco and drugs are “infrequent/mild,” while the state says videos involving those topics are readily available on the platform.
The complaint also alleges TikTok designs its app to be addictive for children and teenagers. TikTok, along with Meta and YouTube, is already facing dozens of lawsuits alleging the companies failed to protect young users, according to The Verge.
Law has already faced court challenges
HB3 initially took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, but enforcement was paused after a federal judge blocked the law during litigation, according to Reuters. An appeals court later reversed that ruling late last year, allowing the restrictions to take effect.
Florida previously brought a similar case against Snap after HB3 took effect, according to Reuters. The TikTok lawsuit signals that the state is pressing ahead with enforcement against social media companies it says are not complying with the law.
The legal fight is part of a broader push by states to regulate social media use by minors. In Florida’s case, the state is asking the courts to hold TikTok responsible for alleged failures to enforce age limits, obtain parental consent and accurately describe the content available on its app.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.