Recent reports about TikTok have exposed a deeply troubling practice: adults using virtual currency to pay minors for inappropriate acts on the platform’s LIVE feature. Even more disturbing, TikTok allegedly allowed this to happen while failing to enforce effective age restrictions. An internal investigation, known as “Project Meramec,” uncovered evidence of sexual exploitation involving children, and instead of acting swiftly to protect them, TikTok prioritized profits over safety.
This is not just about corporate negligence; it’s about a system that monetizes exploitation. TikTok must be held accountable for creating a platform that not only permits but profits from harm to children. Protecting kids online is a shared responsibility, and social media companies like TikTok cannot be allowed to shirk theirs for the sake of financial gain.
In Utah, our commitment to families runs deep. Grounded in strong community values, we have always prioritized creating safe, supportive environments where families can thrive. But today, that mission faces a new and urgent threat: data mining companies — better known as “social media companies” — exploiting our children and prioritizing profit over safety.
Since 2009, rates of self-harm among young women have skyrocketed — a trend researchers directly link to the growing impact of social media. With 95% of teens now using these platforms and over a third admitting to being online “almost constantly,” the data paints a troubling picture.
Nationwide, 57% of teen girls report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and closer to home, 88% of Utah parents believe social media harms children and youth. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent our children, our neighbors and the future of our state.
This crisis demands action. Utah is answering the call with a comprehensive, threefold strategy that addresses the issue from every angle: legislation, litigation and education.
Legislation
First, we are leading the charge with groundbreaking legislation. Recognizing the connection between excessive screen time and rising anxiety and depression, we’ve enacted laws to enhance data privacy protections and set limits on harmful digital behaviors. These measures are designed to give parents more control while holding tech companies accountable for their exploitative practices.
Litigation
Second, Utah is taking a stand through litigation. We are pursuing legal action to protect our children from harmful digital practices and inappropriate content. By challenging these companies in court, we aim to ensure that technology serves as a tool for connection and learning — not a source of harm.
Education
Finally, we are empowering families through education. Resources like socialharms.utah.gov provide parents with the tools they need to understand and mitigate social media’s impact on mental health. By fostering awareness and equipping families with actionable solutions, we are strengthening the fabric of our communities.
Moving forward
This continues to be a back-and-forth issue at the national level, but here in Utah, we refuse to let it be that way. Protecting our youth requires every platform to step up, take responsibility and make safety a priority.
Utah has always been a state that leads with vision and values. Other states are adopting our approach as a model for their own policies, and at the federal level, there’s growing acknowledgment of the importance of this issue. We remain steadfast in holding social media companies accountable until every child is safe.
This isn’t just a government initiative; it’s a collective effort. Utahns know that protecting our children requires the combined strength of parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers. Together, we are forging a path forward — one that safeguards our children’s well-being in the digital age.