Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, alongside a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has urged a Tennessee court to enforce its orders requiring TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation. The investigation aims to determine whether TikTok is violating state consumer protection laws, potentially impacting the mental health of children and teens.
The coalition's inquiry into TikTok began in 2022. Various states, including Alabama and Tennessee, have requested information related to TikTok’s business practices. However, when TikTok failed to provide the necessary information last year, 46 states supported Tennessee in seeking enforcement action through an amicus brief.
Despite the court twice ordering TikTok to produce documents and witnesses for deposition, the company has not fully complied. Consequently, the multistate coalition has filed another amicus brief supporting Tennessee's efforts to enforce compliance.
The brief argues that TikTok's failure to preserve relevant evidence and produce usable information is hindering the investigation. It emphasizes that a court resolution is vital; without it, companies may feel emboldened to destroy evidence critical for state investigations.
“TikTok is not above the law and must comply with the court order," stated Attorney General Marshall. "The rule of law must carry the day as we seek to better understand the impact that this platform may be having on the mental health and safety of America’s youth.”
In addition to filing an amicus brief, more than a dozen states initiated lawsuits against TikTok yesterday. These actions are part of ongoing efforts by the coalition to hold TikTok accountable for its role in affecting youth mental health.
Joining Alabama in this effort are attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island South Dakota Virginia and Wisconsin.