The legal battle between Florida and the large technology platforms added a new chapter, after the state's attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced a lawsuit against TikTok, which he accuses of violating a state law designed to restrict minors' access to social networks and protect them from content considered harmful.

The lawsuit was filed in St. Lucie County and maintains that the popular video platform continues to allow children and teenagers to access services that state officials say should be limited under the HB-3 legislation, passed in 2024 with bipartisan support. The law establishes that minors under 14 years of age cannot open accounts on certain social media platforms, while adolescents aged 14 and 15 must have authorization from their parents or guardians to do so.

During a press conference in Fort Lauderdale, Uthmeier claimed that TikTok has ignored the obligations imposed by state legislation and accused the company of prioritizing its profits over the safety of minors.

“Time is up for TikTok,” the attorney general declared when announcing the legal action. He also said the state has evidence that seemingly simple searches within the app can lead to sexually explicit material, drug-related content and posts that promote self-harm.

According to the complaint, TikTok not only allows minors to maintain active accounts, but also presents parents with a misleading image about the security mechanisms available on the platform. Authorities maintain that the app is marketed as suitable for teenagers, even though they may be exposed to adult content and features designed to increase screen time.

Florida targets features that encourage long-term use

Among the elements highlighted in the lawsuit are the automatic playback of videos, push notifications and the continuous flow of content personalized by algorithms. The state government argues that these tools are designed to keep users connected for long periods and that they are especially attractive to minors.

Uthmeier said TikTok's commercial success largely depends on its ability to capture and retain the attention of children and teenagers. Under that premise, the lawsuit also accuses the company of violating Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

State Representative Chip LaMarca, one of the promoters of HB-3, supported the legal action and maintained that technology companies have had enough time to adapt their systems to the regulations. “We want to protect our children,” said the legislator, pointing out that companies were already aware of the requirements of the law since its approval.

TikTok rejects the accusations and promises to defend itself

TikTok responded with a statement in which it assured that the safety of adolescents is one of the platform's central principles. The company indicated that it has more than 50 tools and settings aimed at the privacy and protection of young users, as well as supervision options for parents.

The company also stated that it has collaborated with state authorities and has notified users under 14 years of age in Florida about the suspension of accounts that do not meet the requirements established by law. The lawsuit comes as the constitutionality of HB-3 continues to be debated in court. Various groups linked to the technology industry argue that the rule violates rights protected by the First Amendment and grants the government powers that should rest with parents.

The case against TikTok is part of a broader offensive launched by the state prosecutor's office against technology companies. In recent months, Florida has also pursued legal action against Snapchat, Roblox and OpenAI, in addition to opening investigations related to other digital platforms.

Florida seeks financial damages, civil penalties and mandatory changes to the operation of TikTok. The outcome of the case could have repercussions not only for the company, but also for the future of state regulations on social networks and child protection in the United States.

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