Over a Dozen States Sue TikTok for Allegedly Fueling Child Addiction

The company is facing allegations for falsely claiming that its platform is safe for young users, according to the lawsuit.

TikTok Controversy: 14 US States File Lawsuits

TikTok, the widely-used social media platform, is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Fourteen US states have filed individual lawsuits accusing TikTok of damaging the mental health of its young users and collecting their data without consent. Spearheaded by the Attorneys General of New York and California, the core of these lawsuits alleges that TikTok falsely claimed its platform was safe for young users.

“Addictive” Features and Dangerous Challenges

The lawsuits highlight what they call “addictive” features typical of modern social media apps, such as constant notifications and autoplay videos. They also target “dangerous TikTok challenges,” ranging from excessive consumption of Benadryl to tampering with electrical outlets.

Exploitation of Young Users and Data Collection

The complaints also suggest that TikTok facilitates the sexual exploitation of its youngest users through proprietary currency and live streaming features. Although TikTok Live is intended for adults, one complaint alleges that lax age verification measures encourage minors to lie about their age to gain access. Additionally, the lawsuits accuse TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, of collecting young users’ data without consent, a charge previously brought by the Justice Department, which claimed TikTok failed to comply with requests to delete children’s personal information.

What’s Next for TikTok?

The current lawsuits seek financial penalties, including “confiscation of all profits from fraudulent and illegal practices, and damages for users who have been harmed.” Meanwhile, ByteDance faces a critical decision: sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer or face a nationwide ban.