A coalition of 46 state attorneys general, led by Colorado and Tennessee, filed an amicus brief to compel TikTok to produce internal communications. The investigation examines whether TikTok's practices harm youth mental health through harmful content. TikTok is accused of failing to preserve and provide communications in a usable format.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements with social media platforms (like TikTok) and any contracts involving user data sharing or youth-focused services. Specifically, examine clauses related to data preservation, document retention, cooperation with investigations, and production of electronic communications. Key areas include requirements to maintain internal communications (including instant messages on platforms like Lark) in a usable format, prohibitions on auto-deletion during investigations, and obligations to comply with regulatory requests for documents. Consider adding or strengthening terms that mandate legal holds, specify acceptable production formats, and impose penalties for non-compliance to ensure vendors preserve and produce relevant evidence during multistate or regulatory probes.
Entity
TikTok, Inc.
Also known as: TikTok
Industry
Social MediaOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2023-press-releases/attorney-general-joins-46-state-coalition-asking-court-to-order-tiktok-to-produce-communications
20230306 Motion for Leave for Brief of Amici Curiae
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/AG/20230306---Motion-for-Leave-for-Brief-of-Amici-Curiae.pdf
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states and local governments in filing suit against NHTSA over its rule weakening fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The lawsuit alleges the rule violates the agency’s statutory mandate and the Administrative Procedure Act; no penalty or final remedy is reported.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the EPA over its repeal of greenhouse gas pollution limits for power plants and separately filed a notice of intent to sue over regulation of existing gas plants. The coalition asks the court to overturn the repeal and restore the protections; the release reports no monetary penalty or final order.
$400.0M
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. and Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. resolving allegations that the generic drug manufacturers conspired to inflate prices, limit competition, and restrain trade. The settlement includes consumer restitution and injunctive reforms; court approval was being sought.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing a DHS rule that allows certain affirmative asylum applications to be referred to removal proceedings without an asylum officer interview. The coalition argues the rule violates federal law and harms asylum seekers, including unaccompanied children; this was a policy opposition letter, not a privacy enforcement action.
Connecticut and Massachusetts co-led a coalition protest urging FERC to reject the proposed NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger. The coalition argued that the merger could increase market power and threaten energy affordability, reliability, and competition; the release does not report a final enforcement decision or penalty.
Connecticut officials warned residents about potential home improvement scams before an approaching nor’easter, including unlicensed contractors, high-pressure sales tactics, and demands for full payment upfront. The release provides consumer guidance on checking contractors and contract requirements; it does not announce an enforcement action or penalty against a named entity.