After the state of Montana, TikTok is under fire again. This time around, Utah has taken a legal stance against the platform. The state alleges that the app not only misguides users about its safety measures but also engages children in potentially harmful social media habits.

While Utah isn’t the first state to take such action—Arkansas and Indiana have also filed similar lawsuits—it does highlight an urgent national discussion. As the U.S. Supreme Court contemplates the legality of state regulations on social media platforms, the Utah lawsuit could serve as a tipping point for nationwide policy change.

TikTok states that it has implemented 60-minute time limits for children

The lawsuit arrives on the heels of Utah becoming the first U.S. state to pass laws aimed at curtailing children and teens’ excessive use of social media apps, including TikTok. These laws, set to be enacted next year, will establish digital curfews and require parental consent for minors, making Utah a pioneer in this regulatory space.

TikTok

While critics argue that these laws could infringe upon children’s privacy—potentially impacting vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ youth—the growing public health concerns are hard to ignore. Studies cited in the lawsuit indicate that children spending more than three hours a day on social media could face twice the risk of poor mental health outcomes. Given these troubling statistics, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes argues that the app’s algorithm serves as a “cruel slot machine” that traps young minds.

In response, TikTok claims to have already implemented safety measures, including a 60-minute time limit for users under 18. However, the Utah lawsuit is demanding more—fines, penalties, and even alterations to the app’s “destructive behavior.” As the matter progresses, stay tuned for any future updates.

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