TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has taken legal action against popular social media platform TikTok, filing a consumer protection lawsuit with the aim of addressing alleged privacy concerns and data security issues. The move follows similar actions taken by other states, including California and New York, which have raised concerns regarding the platform’s handling of user data.
The lawsuit filed by Schmidt alleges that TikTok failed to adequately inform its users about the types of personal data it collects and how that data is used and shared. Additionally, it claims that the platform did not obtain proper consent from users, particularly minors, before collecting their data. Schmidt argues that this lack of transparency and consent violates Kansas consumer protection laws.
The attorney general’s office expresses concern over TikTok’s data processing practices, raising worries about the potential misuse of user information. Schmidt urges the platform to enhance its privacy protocols and ensure better protection for its users. Furthermore, the lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties, and injunctive relief to prevent the platform from continuing these alleged deceptive practices.
TikTok has faced scrutiny from U.S. officials who fear the Chinese-owned platform poses a national security risk due to its data handling practices. In response, TikTok has emphasized its commitment to user privacy and its independence from the Chinese government. The company states that it stores U.S. user data in the United States, with backups in Singapore, and has also withdrawn completely from the Hong Kong market.
The Kansas lawsuit adds to the mounting legal challenges TikTok faces in the United States. The platform is also currently battling against an executive order signed by President Trump, which seeks to ban TikTok unless it is sold to a U.S. company. Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations continue, with the company seeking to address concerns about data security and ensure compliance with American regulations.
TikTok’s widespread popularity among young people has made it a subject of concern for authorities, who worry that personal data collected by the platform could be misused or fall into the wrong hands. As such, states like Kansas are taking action to protect their residents and ensure that companies like TikTok prioritize user privacy and data security.