Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has taken legal action against TikTok, Inc. by filing a motion in the Twentieth Judicial District of Tennessee. The motion seeks remedies for TikTok’s alleged failure to preserve and produce relevant evidence in response to an investigation concerning potential violations of Tennessee consumer protection laws. Additionally, the motion aims to compel TikTok’s compliance with a court order issued on April 17, 2023.
Attorney General Skrmetti expressed concerns about TikTok’s actions, stating, “Despite a court order and ample time to comply, TikTok continues to cover up the extent of its destruction of evidence and dodge our investigative demands.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts of his office to hold TikTok and similar social media companies accountable.
Latest TN News
The investigation is part of a larger bipartisan, nationwide effort by state attorneys general to determine if TikTok engaged in unfair and deceptive practices affecting the mental health of children in Tennessee. In light of TikTok’s continued non-compliance, Attorney General Skrmetti has requested the court to impose various measures, including a $1,000 civil penalty for evidence spoliation and the production of relevant documents and metadata.
Supporting Tennessee’s motion, a coalition of 22 state attorneys general has filed an amicus brief. The brief aims to bolster Tennessee’s efforts to ensure TikTok complies with the court’s directives.
The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office remains committed to safeguarding the mental health of children in Tennessee and will continue efforts to address any misconduct by social media companies.
For further details, the motion filed by Tennessee can be accessed here.
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee AG Defends Law on Minors’ Gender Procedures
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has submitted a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court defending a state law that prohibits certain gender transition procedures for minors, citing a lack of credible evidence on their safety and aligning with similar actions by several European countries. Skrmetti argues that the Constitution permits states to regulate medical practices, including controversial issues, and notes that opponents can seek change through state elections. The full filing can be accessed here.