FTC Refers TikTok Complaint to Justice Department

- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) referred its complaint against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
- The investigation stems from a 2019 settlement with Musical.ly, TikTok's predecessor, over violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- The FTC believes TikTok may be violating or about to violate federal laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices.
- TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated that 40,000 employees work on trust and safety but did not disclose the number of minor users.
- TikTok disagrees with the FTC’s allegations, citing past inaccuracies and emphasizing their commitment to child safety.
- The company is also challenging U.S. legislation that may force ByteDance to sell TikTok, claiming it violates the First Amendment and is not feasible.