Emmanuel OchayiTikTok’s Legal Troubles Intensify
TikTok, the widely-used social media platform, is under fire once again, facing fresh legal challenges in the United States.
Thirteen states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed lawsuits against the platform, accusing it of harming young users with its addictive content and failing to protect their well-being.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOn Tuesday, the lawsuits were filed separately in major states such as New York and California. The allegations focus on TikTok’s engagement tactics, claiming that the platform intentionally designs its algorithms to maximise the time young people spend on the app, leading to harmful addictive behavior.
States Accuse TikTok of Targeting Children
California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concern over TikTok’s influence on young users, stating, “TikTok intentionally targets children because they know kids do not yet have the defenses to handle addictive content.” Bonta explained that the platform’s algorithms are specifically tailored to keep children glued to their screens, which leads to excessive time spent on the app.
“Kids are particularly vulnerable, and TikTok is taking advantage of that,” Bonta continued. He added that the platform prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of its users, especially minors.
Mental Health Concerns Raised
Other state officials echoed similar concerns, emphasising the mental health risks associated with their content strategies. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated, “Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok.”
The lawsuits allege that TikTok contributes to mental health issues among teenagers by exposing them to a never-ending stream of curated content that encourages prolonged use, increasing feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
TikTok Responds to Allegations
TikTok has denied the accusations and continues to defend its practices. In a statement, the company said, “We strongly disagree with allegations that we fail to protect children. In fact, we offer robust safeguards for teens and parents.”
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The platform has introduced several features aimed at protecting young users, including screen time limits and parental controls. However, critics argue that these measures are not enough to mitigate the platform’s addictive nature.
Washington D.C. Takes a Harder Line
Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb took a more aggressive stance, claiming that TikTok’s design makes it “dangerous by nature.” Schwalb pointed out the app’s live streaming features, which he described as risky for minors. “TikTok’s platform is dangerous by design. It’s an intentionally addictive product designed to keep young people hooked to their screens.”
Washington D.C.’s lawsuit further accuses TikTok of facilitating harmful activities, including the sexual exploitation of minors through its unregulated live streaming features, which, according to the lawsuit, operate “like a virtual strip club with no age restrictions.”
TikTok’s Ongoing Legal Challenges
This wave of lawsuits builds on the ongoing legal battles between TikTok and U.S. regulators. Earlier this year, several states had launched investigations into TikTok’s impact on children’s mental health. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing legal action, claiming that TikTok has failed to safeguard children’s privacy.
The lawsuits aim to impose stricter regulations on their content and business model, with some states seeking financial penalties. While the outcome of these cases remains to be seen, TikTok’s legal battles are far from over.
As they continues to dominate the social media landscape, its influence over young users has come under increasing scrutiny.
With the latest round of lawsuits, U.S. states are pushing for tighter controls on the platform’s addictive features and its impact on youth. TikTok, for its part, maintains that it is committed to ensuring the safety of its users, but it remains to be seen whether these legal challenges will lead to meaningful changes in the platform’s practices.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
