Accusations of Intentional Addiction and Harm
A group of 13 states, along with the DisÂtrict of ColumÂbia, have filed sepÂaÂrate lawÂsuits against TikÂTok, accusÂing the popÂuÂlar social media platÂform of intenÂtionÂalÂly designÂing its feaÂtures to be addicÂtive and harmÂful, parÂticÂuÂlarÂly to young users.
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Exploitation
The states claim that TikÂTok uses softÂware designed to keep chilÂdren watchÂing for as long and as often as posÂsiÂble, while misÂrepÂreÂsentÂing the effecÂtiveÂness of its conÂtent modÂerÂaÂtion efforts.
They also allege that TikÂTokâs live streamÂing and virÂtuÂal curÂrenÂcy feaÂtures exploit underÂage users.
Protecting Childrenâs Mental Health
âYoung peoÂple are strugÂgling with their menÂtal health because of addicÂtive social media platÂforms like TikÂTok,â said New York AttorÂney GenÂerÂal LetiÂtia James.
The lawÂsuits aim to hold TikÂTok accountÂable for the negÂaÂtive impact its platÂform has on the well-being of chilÂdren and adolescents.
TikTokâs Response and Ongoing Legal Battles
TikÂTok has strongÂly disÂagreed with the alleÂgaÂtions, statÂing that it offers ârobust safeÂguards for teens and parents.â
HowÂevÂer, the comÂpaÂny is already facÂing a US law that could potenÂtialÂly ban the app, as well as othÂer legal chalÂlenges from varÂiÂous states.
Expanding Legal Scrutiny of TikTok
The latÂest lawÂsuits expand the legal batÂtles TikÂTok is facÂing with regÂuÂlaÂtors, as the platÂforÂmâs parÂent comÂpaÂny, ByteDance, conÂtinÂues to navÂiÂgate the comÂplex regÂuÂlaÂtoÂry landÂscape in the UnitÂed States.
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