2026-06-16 12:01:21

The state of Florida has sued TikTok over allegations that it is allowing children under the age of 14 to create accounts in violation of state law.

The lawsuit, filed in St. Lucie County by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, accuses the platform of permitting underage users to access the app and misleading parents about the type of content children may encounter.

According to the complaint, TikTok exposes young users to violent and sexual material despite legal safeguards introduced by the state.

Uthmeier said in a statement: “TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law.

“We have zero tolerance for companies that prioritize profit over children’s safety.”

The lawsuit seeks financial damages and a court order compelling TikTok to modify its platform to comply with Florida’s child safety requirements.

The law at the centre of the case, known as H.B. 3, came into effect in January 2025. It prohibits children under 14 from holding social media accounts and requires parental consent for users under the age of 16.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese technology company ByteDance, said it had been working with Florida officials and had already begun implementing measures to comply with the legislation.

A spokesperson for the company said users under 14 in Florida had been informed that their accounts would be suspended.

They added: “We are evaluating the state’s complaint and are prepared to defend our strong record on minor safety.”

The case is the latest in a series of legal challenges facing TikTok across the United States.

More than 25 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits alleging the platform was designed to be addictive to young users and contributed to a mental health crisis among children and teenagers.

TikTok has denied the allegations.

The company has also faced claims alongside Meta and Google over the impact of social media on young people.

Earlier this year, a jury in Los Angeles found Meta and Google negligent in a case involving claims of social media addiction, while TikTok settled before trial.

Florida also sued Snap in 2025, alleging its Snapchat platform used addictive features while allowing underage users access to harmful content.

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