Attorney General Phil Weiser has led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in urging a Tennessee court to enforce its orders requiring TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation. The investigation, which began in 2022, aims to determine if TikTok is violating state consumer protection laws related to the mental health crisis among children and teens.
Several states, including Colorado and Tennessee, have requested information from TikTok regarding its business practices. Despite these requests, TikTok has not fully complied with court orders to produce documents and witnesses for deposition. Last year, 46 states supported Tennessee's enforcement action in state court through an amicus brief when TikTok failed to provide the requested information.
The coalition has filed another amicus brief supporting Tennessee's efforts to compel compliance from TikTok. The brief argues that TikTok's failure to preserve evidence and produce usable information is hindering the investigation. It stresses that a court resolution is necessary as it could prevent companies from destroying relevant evidence, which would impede states' ability to protect residents.
"‘TikTok’s disregard for compliance with reasonable information requests despite court orders and destruction of relevant documents sets a dangerous precedent,’ said Weiser. ‘This enforcement action is a crucial step in holding TikTok accountable.’"
In addition to the amicus filing, more than a dozen states have initiated lawsuits against TikTok. While these legal actions proceed, the coalition will continue investigating potential consumer protection violations by using their investigatory powers.
The multistate coalition remains committed to holding TikTok accountable for its impact on youth mental health. Attorneys general from Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota Virginia Wisconsin and Wyoming have joined the amicus brief.