The state of Arkansas has taken legal action against TikTok and its parent company, Meta, alleging that these social media platforms are deceiving consumers regarding the safety of children and the protection of user data. Arkansas filed two lawsuits against TikTok and one against Meta, which also owns Instagram, based on claims that the companies violated the state’s deceptive trade practices act.
Describing TikTok as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” one of the lawsuits asserts that the company is misleading Arkansas consumers about the risks to their data, leaving them vulnerable. This legal action coincides with growing concerns about the safety of TikTok users’ data, with the FBI and Federal Communications Commission warning against potential data sharing with the Chinese government.
Furthermore, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with Attorney General Tim Griffin, both Republicans, expressed their support for the lawsuits. Governor Sanders previously issued an executive order in January banning TikTok from state devices. The lawsuits allege that TikTok fails to adequately protect minors from inappropriate content, including explicit material and substance use depictions.
The lawsuit against Meta focuses on the manipulation of Facebook to prolong young users’ engagement on the platform, potentially contributing to mental health problems among Arkansas youth. In response, Meta highlighted their efforts to protect teenagers on their platforms, such as age verification technology and content removal related to self-harm or eating disorders.
It is worth noting that other states, like Indiana and Seattle, have also filed similar lawsuits against TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat, highlighting concerns about inappropriate content and mental health issues among young people. Governor Sanders is further supporting a bill requiring parental permission for individuals under 18 to use social media sites, which a Senate panel recently endorsed.
While Utah recently enacted a similar age verification requirement, experts have raised questions about the enforceability and potential unintended consequences of such regulations. It remains to be seen how the legal actions against TikTok and Meta will unfold and whether they will lead to increased safeguards for users and their data.
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