Texas Sues TikTok Over Child Privacy Breaches

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the platform violates the state's new Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act by mishandling minors' personal data. The lawsuit claims TikTok unlawfully shares and sells minors' information to third parties without parental consent, inadequately verifies parental identity through its 'Family Pairing' feature, and allows targeted advertising to children. Paxton is seeking civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. TikTok denies these allegations, asserting that it provides robust parental controls that comply with legal requirements. This lawsuit follows previous legal challenges against TikTok, including a suit by the U.S. Department of Justice. Paxton emphasizes the need for social media companies to prioritize children's online safety.