Is TikTok Violating Your Child’s Privacy? Texas Thinks So.
The Texas Attorney General's Office on Thursday announced that the State of Texas would be suing TikTok.
According to Reuters, the State of Texas is accusing TikTok of violating the privacy of children and violating the state law by sharing children's personal identifying information without the consent from an adult.
According to a press release from the Texas Attorney General's office, Ken Paxton is seeking an injunction and penalties of up to a $10,000 fine for each violation of the SCOPE act, also known as the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act.
Paxton claims that TikTok doesn't provide a way to restrict children's privacy and account settings.
“I will continue to hold TikTok and other Big Tech companies accountable for exploiting Texas children and failing to prioritize minors’ online safety and privacy,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Texas law requires social media companies to take steps to protect kids online and requires them to provide parents with tools to do the same. TikTok and other social media companies cannot ignore their duties under Texas law.”
According to Newsweek, TikTok denies violating Texas law.
"We strongly disagree with these allegations," a TikTok spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Newsweek. "In fact, we offer robust safeguards for teens and parents, including Family Pairing, all of which are publicly available," added the statement. "We stand by the protections we provide families."
Paxton claims the "family pairing" system is not adequate.
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