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14 Attorneys General Sue TikTok Over Addictive Features Harming Children's Mental Health

Oct 8, 2024, 03:24 PM

A bipartisan group of 14 attorneys general from states including California, New York, and New Jersey, along with the District of Columbia, filed lawsuits against TikTok on Tuesday, alleging that the popular short-form video app is harming the mental health of children and teenagers. The lawsuits accuse TikTok of deliberately designing addictive features that hook young users, causing increased anxiety, sleep deprivation, and body image issues. Additionally, the company is accused of misrepresenting its commitment to safety, deceiving users about the platform's risks, and collecting data without consent. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb referred to TikTok as "digital nicotine" for kids, criticizing the app for preying on children and operating an illegal virtual economy. New York Attorney General Letitia James also joined the legal action. The lawsuits mirror recent cases filed against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which allege similar harms to youth mental health through addictive design and practices. The attorneys general seek to hold TikTok accountable for its impact on young users and to enforce stricter regulations to safeguard children's well-being.