Utah Lawsuit Accuses TikTok of Exploiting Children Through Livestream Feature, Citing Projects Meramec and Jupiter

Jan 3, 2025, 07:35 PM

TikTok has been accused by the state of Utah of knowingly allowing its video livestreaming feature to promote sexual content and exploit children, according to a lawsuit filed by Utah's Attorney General. The lawsuit claims that TikTok turned a blind eye to these issues because it profited from them. The allegations were made public following the release of previously redacted information in the lawsuit. The state of Utah claims that TikTok's internal investigations, including 'Project Meramec' and 'Project Jupiter,' revealed that the platform was used for money laundering, drug sales, and even funding terrorist groups like the Islamic State. The lawsuit also alleges that TikTok's livestreaming feature enabled predators to exploit minors, with children being 'groomed' to perform sexual acts in exchange for virtual gifts.