TikTok is facing legal challenges as 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits against the social media platform on Tuesday, claiming it has harmed and failed to protect young users. The suits, which have been filed separately across New York, California, the District of Columbia, and 11 other states, mark an escalation in the legal battles facing the China-based company. They seek financial penalties for the alleged misconduct.
The lawsuits accuse TikTok of employing intentionally addictive software designed to maximize the time children spend on the platform, while misrepresenting the effectiveness of its content moderation policies. California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized TikTok, stating, “TikTok cultivates social media addiction to boost corporate profits. TikTok intentionally targets children because they know kids do not yet have the defenses or capacity to create healthy boundaries around addictive content.” The states contend that TikTok’s strategy is aimed at increasing user engagement to enhance advertising revenue.
New York Attorney General Letitia James echoed these sentiments, highlighting the detrimental impact on youth mental health attributed to addictive platforms like TikTok. In response to the allegations, TikTok issued a statement asserting its disagreement with the claims, describing them as “inaccurate and misleading.” The company expressed disappointment that the states opted for litigation instead of seeking collaborative solutions to address industry-wide challenges.
TikTok emphasized its commitment to user safety, noting it offers features such as default screen time limits and privacy settings for users under the age of 16. Additionally, Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb accused TikTok of operating an unlicensed money transmission business through its live streaming and virtual currency functionalities, further alleging that the platform is inherently dangerous. “It’s an intentionally addictive product that is designed to get young people addicted to their screens,” Schwalb stated in an interview.
Moreover, the lawsuit from Washington contends that TikTok facilitates the sexual exploitation of minors, likening its live streaming and virtual currency features to a “virtual strip club with no age restrictions.” Other states joining the legal action include Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington state.
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