Florida Sues TikTok Over Child Account Restrictions
Florida’s attorney general has launched legal action against TikTok, alleging that the platform is violating a state law that prevents children under the age of 14 from creating social media accounts.
The lawsuit, filed in state court in St. Lucie County, claims that TikTok has allowed underage users to access the platform despite the requirements of Florida law. In addition, the complaint alleges that the company has misrepresented the extent of violent and sexual content that young users may encounter while using the service.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said the platform knowingly misleads parents and permits children to access harmful and inappropriate material. He stated that Florida would not tolerate companies that place profits ahead of children’s safety.
Claims Against TikTok
According to the filing, Florida is seeking a court order requiring TikTok to modify its practices so that they comply with state law. Furthermore, the state is pursuing financial damages linked to the alleged violations.
TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, responded by saying it has been in contact with the attorney general’s office regarding the matter. A company spokesperson stated that users under the age of 14 in Florida have been informed that their accounts will be suspended.
The spokesperson also said the company continues to make updates to its platform in response to Florida’s legal requirements. Moreover, TikTok said it is reviewing the complaint and is prepared to defend what it described as a strong record on protecting minors.
Wider Legal Challenges Facing Social Media Companies
The Florida case comes as TikTok faces legal challenges from more than 25 state attorneys general across the United States. These lawsuits generally claim that the platform’s design encourages addictive use among young people and contributes to mental health problems affecting children and teenagers.
At the same time, TikTok, Meta Platforms and other social media companies are defending thousands of lawsuits brought by individuals and school districts. These cases focus on the alleged impact of social media platforms on young users. The companies have denied the allegations and maintain that they employ extensive measures to safeguard teenagers and children.
In a recent trial involving a young woman who claimed she developed depression and anxiety after becoming addicted to social media platforms at a young age, a jury in Los Angeles found Meta and Google negligent.
TikTok, which was also named in the case, reached a settlement before the trial began. Separately, the company settled a lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district and agreed to pay $8 million.
Florida’s Social Media Law
The law at the centre of the Florida lawsuit is known as H.B. 3. It requires social media companies to prevent users under 14 from opening accounts. Additionally, users under 16 must obtain parental consent before creating an account. The legislation came into effect in January 2025.
Florida previously filed a lawsuit against Snap, the owner of Snapchat, in 2025. The state alleged that the company employed features that encourage addiction among children and allowed users aged 13 and younger to create accounts.
State officials described Snap’s conduct as particularly serious, arguing that the platform was marketed as safe for teenagers despite potential exposure to harmful activities. However, Snap argued that the law violates children’s rights under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. That case remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Florida ruled that the law was unconstitutional and blocked its enforcement. However, that decision was later temporarily paused, allowing the state to continue enforcing the law while the matter proceeds through the appeals process.
With inputs from Reuters
