TikTok knowingly allowed its livestreaming feature to expose minors to sexual exploitation, criminal activity and other harms, according to newly unsealed allegations in a Utah lawsuit.
The lawsuit, originally filed by Utah last June, accuses TikTok of fostering an environment where predators used its livestream feature, TikTok Live, to exploit minors, paying them to "strip, pose, and dance provocatively" in exchange for virtual gifts, the Guardian reported.
Internal investigations by TikTok, including projects named Meramec and Jupiter, uncovered widespread misuse of the platform, including money laundering, drug sales and grooming of underage users.
Despite these findings, Utah alleges that TikTok delayed implementing safety measures due to the significant revenue generated by the feature.
Unsealed documents from the lawsuit reveal that TikTok's internal investigations identified hundreds of thousands of minors, some as young as 13, who bypassed age restrictions to use TikTok Live.
Many were reportedly groomed by adults into performing provocative acts in exchange for digital gifts, which could be converted into real money, with TikTok taking up to 50% of the proceeds.
The platform's algorithm allegedly amplified streams containing sexual content, further enabling the exploitation.
TikTok has defended itself, citing safety measures and accusing Utah of misrepresenting its efforts.
Originally published by Latin Times
