Documents released reveal that TikTok knew about money laundering and underage sexual distribution during an internal investigation called 'Project Meramec/Jupiter' but ignored it
New documents filed in a lawsuit filed by Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and others against TikTok have revealed allegations that the app was aware of users' inappropriate use of the app but ignored the information.
Utah DCP and AG's Office Announce Release of Previously Redacted Information—TikTok Execs Knew They Were Profiting off the Sexual Exploitation of Minors - Utah Attorney General
Utah says unredacted information in TikTok suit is 'shocking'
In June 2024, Utah Attorney General Reyes and others filed a lawsuit against TikTok, in which internal company documents were submitted as relevant materials with some parts redacted. On January 3, 2025, the Utah Department of Commerce and Consumer Protection Division, represented by the Utah Attorney General's Office, partially removed the redactions from the documents and made them available on the Internet with the court's permission.
Based on these documents, Attorney General Reyes and the Bureau of Consumer Protection allege that TikTok independently conducted internal investigations known as 'Project Meramec' and 'Project Jupiter' and discovered that users were using TikTok in ways that they considered inappropriate, but then ignored the findings.
'Project Meramec' is said to have been investigating the use of TikTok by minor users. According to this investigation, although TikTok's live streaming function is prohibited for minors (under 18 years old), hundreds of thousands of minor users are actually using it, some of whom are performing sexual poses and dances. These users were able to receive gifts from viewers and convert them into real money using TikTok's cash-out system.
The attorneys general allege that TikTok was aware that 'a systemically enabled minors to earn money by streaming sexual content' and that 'in effect, TikTok was profiting from the sexual exploitation of minors,' but allowed the app to continue reaping the benefits.
Another project, Project Jupiter, found that TikTok's live streaming feature could be used by criminals to launder money, sell drugs, and fund the Islamic State. TikTok has given special priority to live streaming that can receive cryptocurrency gifts, making it easier to display in recommendations. Attorney General Reyes and others claim that 'money laundering-related broadcasts and underage sexual broadcasts have been prioritized, resulting in newly registered TikTok users and curious children being exposed to dangerous communities without any warning.'
Based on the two investigations, the attorneys general said, 'TikTok's business model demonstrates how corrupt it is. Putting children at risk, even unintentionally, is unacceptable, but the fact that the company exploits and monetizes children despite knowing the risks and understanding the harm it causes is particularly unacceptable.'
Related Posts:
in Web Service, Posted by log1p_kr