TikTok is under fire as 13 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., filed lawsuits against the popular social media platform on Tuesday, alleging it has harmed young users and failed to protect them. The lawsuits, filed across New York, California, and other states, expand TikTok’s ongoing legal struggles in the U.S. and seek financial penalties against the Chinese-owned company.
The lawsuits claim TikTok uses intentionally addictive algorithms to increase screen time among children and misrepresents the effectiveness of its content moderation. California Attorney General Rob Bonta asserted that TikTok “cultivates social media addiction to boost corporate profits,” specifically targeting young users who are less capable of setting boundaries against addictive content.
New York Attorney General Letitia James echoed these concerns, stating, “Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok.” The lawsuits claim TikTok prioritizes user engagement to maximize ad revenue.
In response, TikTok stated that it disagrees with the allegations, calling them “inaccurate and misleading.” The company expressed disappointment in the states’ decision to sue rather than collaborate on solutions. TikTok maintains that it has implemented safety measures, such as screen time limits and privacy settings for users under 16.
Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb accused TikTok of operating an unlicensed money transmission business through its live-streaming and virtual currency features, describing the platform as “dangerous by design” and intentionally addictive. His office also alleged that TikTok operates “like a virtual strip club with no age restrictions,” facilitating potential exploitation of underage users.
The lawsuits, which include participation from states such as Illinois, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, come on the heels of other legal challenges TikTok has faced over user safety and privacy concerns. In August, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit accusing TikTok of failing to protect children’s privacy, and the company continues to battle against a potential U.S. ban due to national security concerns linked to its parent company, ByteDance.
TikTok’s legal troubles are mounting as it faces increasing scrutiny from U.S. regulators and lawmakers, with states like Utah and Texas previously filing suits against the platform over similar issues.
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