TikTok, the popular short-form video platform owned by ByteDance, is facing a wave of legal challenges from 13 US states and the District of Columbia. These lawsuits, filed in New York, California, and other jurisdictions, accuse TikTok of prioritizing user engagement over the well-being of its younger users.
The states allege that TikTok employs manipulative software designed to keep children hooked for extended periods, potentially leading to addiction and negative impacts on their mental health. They further claim that TikTok misrepresented the effectiveness of its content moderation measures. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that “TikTok cultivates social media addiction to boost corporate profits.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James echoed these concerns, stating, “Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok.”
In response to these allegations, TikTok expressed disappointment with the lawsuits and asserted that many of the claims are “inaccurate and misleading.” The company maintains that it prioritizes the safety of its users and is committed to working with lawmakers to address industry-wide concerns.
This legal action against TikTok comes on the heels of a bill signed by President Joe Biden that could force ByteDance to sell the company or face a ban in the US. It also follows a nationwide probe into TikTok’s impact on young people launched by eight states in March 2022.
The legal challenges could have significant implications for the future of TikTok in the US. As concerns over the app’s impact on young users continue to grow, other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat could potentially benefit from user migration and advertising budget shifts.
With TikTok facing intense scrutiny, it remains to be seen how the company will navigate these legal challenges and whether it will be able to maintain its position as a dominant force in the social media landscape.
