The popular social media platform TikTok is at the center of a new wave of legal action in the United States. Lawsuits have been filed by 13 states, accusing the platform of harming children and failing to protect young users. These lawsuits add to TikTok’s ongoing legal challenges in the country.
Allegations Against TikTok
TikTok has been accused of using addictive software designed to keep children engaged for extended periods. The lawsuits claim that the platform’s content moderation is insufficient, with some state attorneys arguing that TikTok deliberately seeks to maximize screen time to expose young users to advertisements. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that “TikTok intentionally targets children because they know kids do not yet have the defenses or capacity to create healthy boundaries around addictive content.”
The lawsuits also highlight the mental health toll on children, with New York Attorney General Letitia James saying that young people are struggling due to “addictive social media platforms like TikTok.” Furthermore, Washington, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb emphasized that TikTok’s design is intentionally addictive, drawing young people into prolonged usage.
Broader Legal Context and Privacy Concerns
In addition to the accusations of fostering addiction, Washington’s lawsuit specifically mentions the facilitation of sexual exploitation of underage users through TikTok’s live streaming and virtual currency features. TikTok is also fighting a lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice earlier this year, which alleges that the platform failed to protect children’s privacy.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is also contending with proposed legislation that could result in a ban on the app in the US. US lawmakers have raised concerns that the app could provide the Chinese government with access to user data, potentially influencing American users through its algorithm.
TikTok’s Response and Ongoing Debate
TikTok has rejected the allegations in the new lawsuits, calling many of the claims “inaccurate and misleading.” The company expressed disappointment that the states chose to sue rather than collaborate on “constructive solutions to industry-wide challenges.” TikTok insists that it provides robust safeguards for minors, including default screen time limits and privacy settings for users under 16.
While lawmakers argue that the platform poses significant risks to users, especially children, a ban on TikTok is not without controversy. Many of TikTok’s 170 million US users, along with civil liberties and digital rights groups, oppose the ban. In June, a coalition of civil rights groups argued that TikTok is essential for the visibility of marginalized communities. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also criticized attempts to ban the platform, stating that it would infringe on First Amendment rights.
The debate over TikTok’s future in the US continues to evolve, with states pursuing legal action while the company fights back against what it considers unfounded accusations.
Conclusion
TikTok is facing significant legal battles in the US, accused of harming children through addictive content and insufficient protections. As these lawsuits proceed, the outcome will likely shape the future of the platform and its millions of young users in the country.