TikTok sued by multiple states in the US over harmful impact on minors

Attorneys general from over a dozen U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed lawsuits against TikTok. The lawsuits claim that the platform is damaging the mental health of young users by making its app addictive. They also include allegations that TikTok’s algorithm promotes content tailored to users’ interests, which leads to excessive screen time and fosters mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and body image issues.

The legal action stems from a national investigation launched in 2022 and alleges that TikTok’s design encourages harmful behavior, especially among children, through features like endless scrolling and addictive notifications. The lawsuits also allege that TikTok's live-streaming feature allows for the exploitation of minors, turning the platform into what some have called a "virtual strip club."

TikTok, while restricting signups for children under 13, has been criticized for easily bypassed age restrictions, allowing minors to access adult content. States like New York and New Jersey placed extra emphasis on the dangers posed by the app's challenges and addictive features, calling for action to prevent further harm to children.