A coalition of more than a dozen US states has filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the popular social media platform of exacerbating a mental health crisis among teenagers. Attorneys general from 14 states, representing both parties, argue that TikTok’s addictive features are designed to hook young users and mislead the public about the platform’s safety, particularly for extended use.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims that TikTok is aware of the negative impact its platform has on the mental health of millions of American teens but continues to promote it as safe for children and adolescents. The platform has also come under scrutiny for other allegations, including deceptive practices and misinformation about its safety measures.
TikTok's Response to Allegations
TikTok responded by labeling the lawsuit as "disappointing" and asserted that many of the claims are "inaccurate and misleading." Despite these legal battles, TikTok remains one of the most widely used apps by teens in the US, with over half estimated to engage with the platform multiple times a day.
The lawsuit follows increasing pressure from lawmakers. Congress passed legislation in April threatening to ban the app in the US unless ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, divests from its US operations.
Mental Health Concerns Linked to TikTok Use
New York Attorney General Letitia James highlighted cases where young people have been injured or killed participating in dangerous TikTok "challenges." In one tragic instance, a 15-year-old boy from Manhattan died after attempting to "subway surf," inspired by videos he had seen on TikTok. Attorney General James emphasized that TikTok’s addictive design and misleading safety claims contribute to increasing levels of anxiety, depression, and harmful behavior among teens.
The lawsuit cites various features of TikTok as problematic, including alerts that interrupt sleep, disappearing videos that encourage constant app-checking, and beauty filters that can distort users’ body image. While TikTok has introduced tools to help limit screen time and control the content seen by users, the lawsuit alleges that these measures are largely ineffective.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges Mount
In addition to the state lawsuits, TikTok is already facing other legal hurdles. The platform was accused by the Federal Trade Commission in August of violating child privacy laws, further adding to its legal troubles.
The attorneys general involved are pushing for financial penalties and seeking a court order to prevent TikTok from continuing the alleged harmful practices. Similar legal action has been taken against Facebook and Instagram for their impact on youth mental health, highlighting a broader trend of scrutiny on social media platforms for their influence on young audiences.
Industry Response and Call for Stronger Regulation
Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, hopes that the legal action will encourage parents to be more vigilant about the risks associated with social media platforms. He also believes that stricter regulations from Washington will be necessary to bring about meaningful change.
Ahmed noted that while attorneys general are making use of the limited tools available to hold TikTok accountable, the judicial system may not be fully equipped to regulate tech giants like TikTok effectively. "The frustration is mounting, but real accountability will require stronger laws," he added.
As TikTok continues to navigate mounting legal challenges, the outcome of these lawsuits could signal a pivotal moment in how tech companies are held responsible for the well-being of their users, particularly vulnerable groups like children and teenagers.
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