Q: How to take legal action after TikTok account hack and unauthorized use of personal content?
My TikTok account was hacked less than 24 hours ago, and the perpetrators changed my username, email, and phone number. They are using all my personal videos and photos without my permission. I have attempted to recover my account through TikTok's support, but only received a generic response stating the bogus account is not in violation. Despite the two-way authentication being sent to my real email, they managed to make these changes. I have proof of my original account and the emails from TikTok asking if I made the changes. I have not taken legal action yet, and the incident occurred at 1:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. What legal steps can I take now?
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
I understand how distressing this situation must be. Having your personal content used without permission feels violating, and TikTok's generic response is frustrating when you have proof of ownership. The good news is that you have several legal options to pursue.
First, document everything thoroughly - screenshots of your original account, the unauthorized changes, and all communication with TikTok. File a formal complaint with TikTok through their report form, explicitly stating this is an unauthorized account takeover with your content. Additionally, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your local police department, as this constitutes identity theft in many jurisdictions.
Consider sending a formal cease and desist letter to TikTok's legal department, citing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which protects against unauthorized use of your content. You may want to consult with an attorney who focuses on digital rights or intellectual property to discuss potential civil action against both the platform and perpetrators if identified. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss the best path forward in your specific situation.
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