Texas AG Ken Paxton launches new investigations into tech companies [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office has launched investigations into 15 tech companies over safety practices in compliance with the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act and the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA).

Some of the companies the attorney general’s office said it is targeting include Character.AI, a personalized AI software, as well as Reddit, Instagram, Discord and a number of others.

“Technology companies are on notice that my office is vigorously enforcing Texas’s strong data privacy laws,” Paxton said. “These investigations are a critical step toward ensuring that social media and AI companies comply with our laws designed to protect children from exploitation and harm.”

What is the SCOPE Act?

Passed during the most recent legislative session, the SCOPE Act went into effect on Sept. 1, 2024. It requires digital service providers – such as companies …