Utah Files Lawsuit Against TikTok Over Alleged Exploitation of Minors

Case Overview: A lawsuit filed by Utah alleges that TikTok enabled the exploitation of minors through its livestreaming feature, TikTok LIVE. 

Consumers Affected: Minors who were allegedly exploited on TikTok LIVE.

Court: Third Judicial District Court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah

Utah has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of enabling the exploitation of minors through its livestreaming feature, TikTok LIVE. The suit, initiated by Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection and Attorney General Sean Reyes, claims TikTok knowingly allowed adults to solicit minors in exchange for virtual gifts, collecting a 50% commission from these transactions.

TikTok LIVE Enabled Exploitation of Minors, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit alleges that TikTok LIVE became a venue for inappropriate exchanges involving minors. Adults reportedly used the feature to send virtual currency to children as payment for explicit acts, including provocative dancing and stripping. According to the filing, TikTok’s internal reviews, such as “Project Meramec,” revealed that many minors aged 13 to 15 bypassed the platform’s age restrictions to access livestreaming.

In addition to child exploitation, TikTok LIVE is accused of facilitating other criminal activities, including money laundering, illegal gambling, and drug sales. The lawsuit contends that TikTok failed to establish adequate controls to prevent these activities, allowing the platform to profit while vulnerable users were harmed.

Governor Spencer Cox expressed grave concerns over the platform’s alleged misconduct, emphasizing the need for accountability. Attorney General Sean Reyes stated that TikTok prioritized revenue over safety, describing the platform as a “virtual strip club” that enabled predators to exploit minors.

TikTok Accused of Profiting from Illegal Activity on Its Platform

TikTok’s virtual currency system is a central focus of the lawsuit. The platform allows users to purchase digital coins, which can be sent as gifts during livestreams. These gifts can then be converted into real money by recipients. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok’s commission structure incentivized the company to overlook misconduct, enabling an environment where exploitation could flourish.

The filing claims that minors, unfamiliar with the value of virtual currency, were particularly vulnerable. TikTok reportedly lacked financial controls to prevent misuse, allowing bad actors to exploit the system while the company continued to profit.

TikTok Faces Other Lawsuits and Legal Challenges

The Utah lawsuit is not TikTok’s first legal issue in the United States. In December 2024, the platform faced a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The case accused TikTok of collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent, placing millions of young users at risk.

In September, another lawsuit claimed TikTok continued to gather data from children despite a 2019 settlement requiring the company to strengthen its privacy practices. Filed in California, this case alleges TikTok prioritized user growth over compliance with federal regulations.

Utah’s lawsuit seeks to recover profits TikTok allegedly obtained through illegal activity and implement stronger safeguards to prevent future harm. The state has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, calling for immediate action to protect minors.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Utah Division of Consumer Protection v. TikTok, Inc.
• Court: Third Judicial District Court, Salt Lake County, State of Utah

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