Judge denies TikTok’s motion to dismiss Utah’s lawsuit alleging exploitation of minors
Feb 21, 2025, 10:40 AM | Updated: 11:35 am
A TikTok sign is displayed on top of their building in Culver City, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
SALT LAKE CITY — TikTok’s motion to dismiss Utah’s June 2024 lawsuit has been denied by Third District Court Judge Coral Sanchez according to a press release from the Utah Attorney General’s office.
The lawsuit claims the company knowingly permitted the sexual exploitation of minors through its TikTok Live feature in exchange for payment.
In June, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection filed a lawsuit against the social media platform accusing the company of fostering a “virtual strip club” environment.
A Utah court denies TikTok’s motion to dismiss the state’s second lawsuit, which alleges the company knowingly allowed the sexual exploitation of young people through the TikTok Live feature. Read the full press release here: https://t.co/zGpN0mX1s8 pic.twitter.com/FuycVEFbrY
— Utah Department of Commerce (@UtahCommerce) February 21, 2025
“Protecting Utah children from exploitation and the harms that TikTok knowingly inflicts upon them is one of my highest priorities as attorney general,” said Attorney General Derek Brown in a press release on Friday. “I am grateful for the court’s decision that allows Utah’s lawsuit against TikTok to move forward, helping us protect young people from sexual exploitation.”
This is Utah’s second lawsuit against the social media platform. Last October, 13 states and Washington D.C. joined Utah’s lawsuit alleging TikTok violated consumer protection laws by encouraging compulsive use and exposing minors to mental health risks.
A motion to dismiss the October lawsuit was also denied.
Related reading: Utah releases ‘shocking’ previously redacted info in case against TikTok
