Texas filed a lawsuit against TikTok claiming that the social media company had shared children’s personally identifiable information without getting permission from their parents or legal guardians, in violation of both state law and children’s right to privacy.
The state’s Securing Children Online via Parental Empowerment Act, or SCOPE Act, is being violated, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction and monetary fines of up to $10,000 for each instance.
Even with accounts set to “private,” Paxton claimed TikTok—whose parent company is China’s ByteDance—allows personalized advertisements to children and lacks the tools necessary to protect kids’ privacy and account settings.
“For manipulating Texas children and not giving priority to minors’ security online and privacy,” Paxton stated in a statement, TikTok and other big tech firms ought to be held accountable.
The action was brought in state court in Galveston County, Texas, by the attorney general. An instant comment was not received from TikTok.
