Utah AG Accuses TikTok of Knowing Minors Were Being Groomed on ‘Live’

TikTok is fighting on multiple fronts. Not only is it stuck in a fight for its life with the federal government as it awaits its day before the Supreme Court next week, but it also has Utah’s attorney general breathing down its neck. Bloomberg A revised version of a lawsuit filed by the state’s lead prosecutor has been obtained alleging that TikTok knew its live streaming feature was a breeding ground for all kinds of illegal content and harmful behavior, including child grooming.

The lawsuit reveals two internal investigations that TikTok launched into activity on its live platform. The first, Project Meramec, found underage users performing sexual acts on livestreams, which were done in exchange for virtual gifts given by viewers.

At the time of the investigation, TikTok’s policy prohibited users 16 and younger from broadcasting live, and it prevented users under 18 from sending or receiving virtual gifts that could be redeemed for money. However, its enforcement has been low: the company’s internal review found that 112,000 underage users hosted livestreams a month in 2022. On top of that, the company found that its algorithm was boosting sexual content, so underage streamers were being recommended to viewers. There’s no real reason to wonder why this was happening: TikTok gets a cut of every virtual gift purchased. Users who receive more gifts also generate more revenue for TikTok.

A second internal investigation, known as Project Jupiter, looked into money laundering activities using TikTok’s livestreaming service. That investigation found that some criminal operations were using TikTok Live to move money, while others were selling drugs and illegal services in exchange for virtual gifts. Internal communications between TikTok employees show conversations about how Live could be used to fund terrorist organizations like the Islamic State.

TikTok’s investigation into underage users has followed one Investigation published by Forbes It found numerous instances of older male users luring young women to perform sexual acts on TikTok Live in exchange for gifts. Harvard Law School assistant dean Leah Plunkett told Forbes it’s “the digital equivalent of walking down the street to a strip club full of 15-year-olds.”

This is far from the first time TikTok’s lack of moderation, especially as it relates to content involving minors, has landed the company in hot water. In 2022, the US Department of Homeland Security Investigation has started TikTok’s handling of child sexual abuse content. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Filed a case against the company for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, alleging that the company knowingly allowed underage users to create accounts and communicate with adults on the platform.

TikTok isn’t the only social platform with a child predator problem. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Meta was having trouble Removal of pedophiles From Facebook and Instagram and its algorithm was active Promoting and Directing Users of Child Exploitation Content. Twitter, led by Elon Musk, Excluded by its moderation team Responsible for monitoring and observing child sexual abuse Network of Child Pornography Dealers Crop up on platforms while active Banning booted users For posting child exploitation content.

It’s possible that none of these platforms are actually good.