SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A significant legal battle unfolded this week when a Utah judge rejected TikTok’s request to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the social media giant of deceptive practices aimed at retaining young users. The lawsuit, filed by the Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection in October 2023, argues that the platform’s methods are dangerously addictive, likening them to “digital nicotine.”
The allegations center on TikTok’s engagement techniques, which the state claims are designed to keep minors excessively engaged on the platform, potentially to their detriment. This legal challenge is part of a broader scrutiny over how social media platforms influence young audiences and manage their data.
On Tuesday, Third District Court Judge Richard Daynes ruled against TikTok, asserting that if the company operates within Utah, it falls under the state’s jurisdiction. This dismissal of TikTok’s jurisdictional challenge marks a preliminary win for the state, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.
TikTok, which has faced global scrutiny over privacy and usage concerns, particularly relating to children, defended itself vigorously. The company presented several legal defenses seeking to have the case dismissed, all of which were turned down by Judge Daynes.
Legal experts, including Greg Skordas, who closely followed the proceedings, highlighted the significance of the judge’s decision. According to Skordas, the ruling emphasizes that companies, regardless of their physical presence, must adhere to local laws if they conduct business in that locale.
This case in Utah is reflective of growing international concerns regarding the impact of intensive social media use on youth. Experts suggest that excessive engagement on platforms like TikTok could lead to social, psychological, and educational issues among young users. Such legal actions could potentially reshape how social media giants operate across the United States and beyond.
As the lawsuit progresses, both the legal community and public alike are keen to see how Utah’s aggressive stance against a major player like TikTok might influence future regulations on social media operations, particularly those targeting younger demographics.
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