Florida officials have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the app misleads parents about its algorithm while violating state online child protection laws. According to the lawsuit filed in St. Lucie County, TikTok is accused of allowing children under 14 to create accounts in breach of Florida law. Attorney General James Uthmeier claims TikTok’s platform success depends on addicting children and teenagers.

Uthmeier stated that TikTok deceives parents, exposing children to harmful content violating Florida law. The state seeks a court order requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to comply with the law, as well as penalties up to $50,000 per violation.

The lawsuit accuses TikTok of misleading parents about the prevalence of harmful content, including pornography and drug use on its platform. The app reportedly offers content with sexual themes, drugs, alcohol, profanity, and self-harm messages, easily accessible to Florida’s youth.

TikTok’s business model reportedly relies heavily on algorithms promoting addictive behavior among younger users.

A TikTok spokesperson responded to Fox News Digital, indicating the company is working with the state attorney general to ensure compliance with Florida law. The spokesperson added that accounts of users under 14 will be suspended as part of their efforts.

Florida’s law, H.B. 3, effective from January 1, 2025, prohibits social media companies from permitting users under 14 to create accounts and requires parental consent for minors under 16. Although a federal judge initially blocked enforcement of the law citing constitutional concerns, the ruling is under appeal.

Florida joins over 25 states, including New York and California, that have sued TikTok for alleged deceptive practices targeting young users.

Last year, Florida also filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the owner of Snapchat, targeting users under 13 with addictive features. This lawsuit is ongoing.