Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in urging a Tennessee court to enforce its orders requiring TikTok to comply with an ongoing multistate consumer protection investigation. This investigation seeks to determine whether TikTok has violated state consumer protection laws, particularly in relation to the mental health crisis affecting children and teens.
The multistate group, which began its inquiry into TikTok in 2022, has issued requests for information regarding the social media platform’s business practices. The investigation focuses on how TikTok’s operations may contribute to negative impacts on youth mental health.
Last year, when TikTok did not provide the requested information, 46 states filed an amicus brief in support of Tennessee’s efforts to compel TikTok’s compliance in state court. The court has since ordered TikTok to produce documents and make witnesses available for deposition; however, the platform has not fully complied with these orders.
In a recent filing, the multistate coalition reiterated its support for Tennessee’s actions, emphasizing the need for TikTok to preserve and produce relevant evidence for the investigation. The coalition argues that TikTok’s failure to do so is hindering their ability to carry out a thorough investigation into potential consumer protection violations.
“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,” Attorney General Marshall stated. He stressed that TikTok must comply with the court order and highlighted the importance of accountability for companies that may jeopardize public welfare.
In conjunction with the amicus filing, over a dozen states have also initiated state court lawsuits against TikTok. As these states pursue legal action, those joining the amicus brief will continue to investigate TikTok’s practices to uncover any potential violations of consumer protection laws.
The 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 also signed the amicus brief, demonstrating a unified stance on the issue.
The coalition’s ongoing efforts reflect a coordinated approach to hold TikTok accountable for its role in the mental health crisis among youth, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal obligations.
