States Target Tiktok Over Worries About Impact on Youth

Multiple US states have launched lawsuits against TikTok, arguing the app’s addictive nature impacts young people’s mental health—sparking a major legal and cultural debate.

At a Glance

Over a dozen US states and DC have sued TikTok for allegedly harming teen mental health.
The lawsuits are part of a national investigation by state attorneys general.
States accuse TikTok’s algorithm of addicting children with its features.
The California Attorney General has accused TikTok of putting profit over children’s safety.

Widespread Legal Actions

More than a dozen states, along with the District of Columbia, have taken legal action against TikTok. The lawsuits claim the platform’s features, such as endless scrolling and push notifications, are detrimental to young users’ mental well-being. This group of states is acting as part of a national investigation announced in March 2022, involving both Democratic and Republican attorneys general.

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized TikTok, stating, “They’ve chosen profit over the health and safety, well-being, and future of our children.” TikTok has pushed back against these claims, maintaining that it is committed to protecting teens through various safety measures.

TikTok is designed to be addictive to kids and causes them harm, US states' lawsuits say https://t.co/Axc20Y4WJo

— CP24 (@CP24) October 9, 2024

Features Under Scrutiny

The lawsuits specifically target TikTok’s algorithm, which is reportedly designed to addict users with features like personalized content and notifications. Prosecutors argue this technology preys on young, impressionable minds, resulting in various mental health issues among teenagers. Additionally, TikTok has been accused of operating an “unlicensed virtual economy,” which profits from features like TikTok Coins and LIVE streaming.

“Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true.”

The filing highlights previous incidents connected to TikTok, such as challenges leading to severe injury or death. TikTok assures it is tackling these issues and invests in technology to identify and remove harmful content. However, critics argue TikTok’s efforts are insufficient and misleading.

The Future of TikTok in America

As these states proceed with lawsuits, TikTok faces a looming threat of a potential US ban. Federal law requires ByteDance to sell the platform by mid-January if it aims to continue operating in the country. While TikTok claims it has worked with legal authorities to improve its practices, these lawsuits underline the significant challenges the company must address.

“We’re proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we’ve done to protect teens, and we will continue to update and improve our product,” – Alex Haurek, TikTok Spokesperson, said.

Social media’s profound influence on youth has remained a massive source of debate. This legal action against TikTok could set a precedent, compelling digital platforms to ensure a safer environment for young users. Governments across the globe may take similar steps to regulate tech giants and protect vulnerable demographics from potential harm.