Florida: The US state of Florida announced Monday that it had filed a lawsuit targeting TikTok, accusing the short video platform of violating a state law that limits social media access for children.

According to Anadolu Agency, Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken legal action against TikTok, alleging that the social media company committed 'a series of violations of Florida law by actively targeting and contracting with minors while deceiving parents about the dangers of the app,' as stated by his office.

'TikTok's success hinges on its ability to addict children and teenagers to the platform,' stated Uthmeier. He further claimed that TikTok knowingly misleads parents and exposes children to harmful and inappropriate content, which directly contravenes Florida law. He emphasized that the state has zero tolerance for companies that prioritize profit over children's safety and warned that TikTok should be prepared to face consequences.

In 2025, Florida enacted a state law prohibiting children under 14 from using social media platforms. The law also mandates that 15- and 16-year-olds must have parental permission before creating social media accounts.

The lawsuit accuses TikTok of allowing children under the age of 14 to create accounts and permitting 15- and 16-year-olds to do so without parental consent, thereby violating state regulations. It further alleges that the company breached the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by misleading parents about the safety and suitability of the content available to their children.