Utah Unveils Fresh Proof in TikTok Legal Dispute
TikTok Faces Allegations of Child Exploitation and Monetization in Utah Lawsuit
TikTok, the popular social media platform, is under fire in a lawsuit filed by the state of Utah. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok has profited from encouraging sexual conduct and exploiting underage children on TikTok Live, its live streaming feature [1][2].
The state accuses TikTok of turning a blind eye to obvious predation, despite knowing the danger and damage it poses to minors. The lawsuit claims that TikTok Live was used to groom children [1]. It also alleges that TikTok used monetization features to incentivize children to perform sexually explicit acts on TikTok Live [1].
Outgoing Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes stated that TikTok's actions in monetizing the exploitation of children is unconscionable [1]. TikTok has disputed the allegations, stating that the lawsuit cherry-picks misleading quotes and presents them out of context, distorting their commitment to the safety of their community [2].
The lawsuit also accuses TikTok of being involved in money laundering and other illegal operations using its in-app currency [1]. Sources report that some adults paid TikTok Live users with an in-app currency called diamonds, which can be exchanged for real-world money, to strip, pose, and dance [1].
TikTok has implemented safety measures such as robust safety protections, screen time limits for teen accounts, and parental monitoring tools [3]. However, the lawsuit alleges that TikTok has refused to ensure accurate bookkeeping, real-time suspicious payment monitoring, timely reporting to law enforcement, KYC verification for all users, and processes to keep banned users off the platform [1].
It is important to note that as of August 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating TikTok has been found legally liable or conclusively proven to have knowingly monetized such exploitation in this Utah lawsuit [3][4]. The case remains part of ongoing litigation and multidistrict lawsuits involving TikTok and other social media firms accused of harm to youth [3][4].
References:
[1] "New court records claim TikTok knew its LIVE feature was used to groom children", ABC News, link
[2] "TikTok knew its livestreams exploit children, Utah lawsuit claims", The Verge, link
[3] "TikTok lawsuit: Utah accuses app of profiting from child exploitation", BBC News, link
[4] "TikTok faces legal action over child safety concerns", BBC News, link
- The Utah lawsuit against TikTok alleges that the social media platform failed to protect minors from exploitation and predation, claiming that TikTok Live was used to groom children and that the company monetized such activities.
- The lawsuit also accuses TikTok of failing to implement adequate safety measures, such as accurate bookkeeping, real-time suspicious payment monitoring, KYC verification for all users, and processes to keep banned users off the platform. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that TikTok's monetization features were used to incentivize children to perform sexually explicit acts on TikTok Live.
