Salt Lake City, UT — A Utah court has decided that a litigation filed by the state against the social media platform TikTok can proceed. The lawsuit, launched in October 2023, accuses TikTok of creating addictive features that prompt prolonged and potentially harmful engagement by children and teenagers.
TikTok had requested the case be dismissed, arguing that the federal Communications Decency Act’s Section 230 protects it from liability related to content posted by third parties. The company further contended that the Utah Consumer Protection Act, which it is accused of breaching, was both overly vague and restrictive, infringing upon First Amendment rights.
Rejecting these arguments on Tuesday, 3rd District Judge Richard Daynes emphasized the importance of addressing the complaints lodged by Utah, citing that the state’s interests and the enforcement of Utah’s Consumer Sales Practices Act provide sufficient grounds to proceed with the case. Judge Daynes highlighted the wide use of the TikTok app by residents within the state, and the potential impact on a considerable number of Utah’s youth.
Daynes also ruled that the Utah Consumer Protection Act does not violate the principles of due process and the First Amendment, thereby allowing the state’s case to advance amidst broader legal debates about the responsibilities of social media companies regarding user content and the potential harms associated with their platforms.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes celebrated the court’s decision, expressing enthusiastic support for the move to hold TikTok accountable for practices perceived as fostering addiction among children. He emphasized the importance of protecting the state’s youth from what he described as a widespread and concerning influence.
Joining Attorney General Reyes, Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, affirmed the state’s commitment to combating deceptive practices in the social media landscape, focusing particularly on the protection of children from harmful online behaviors.
As the case gains traction, it has garnered support from other states concerned about the impact of social media on teen mental health, with 13 states now allying with Utah in their claims against TikTok. Although no further hearings have been scheduled following the court’s recent decision, the outcome could set a significant legal precedent concerning the regulation of social media platforms and the protection of young users.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the growing scrutiny social media companies face regarding their policies and the design features that critics argue contribute to behavioral addiction and wider social harm.
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