A Dozen States sue TikTok

More than a dozen U.S. states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the platform of harming children’s mental health by making its app addictive. The lawsuits, which stem from a national investigation launched in 2022, claim that TikTok’s algorithm and design features encourage excessive use among youth, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and body image problems. The lawsuits also criticize TikTok for allowing young users to bypass age restrictions and for profiting from transactions through its “virtual economy.” TikTok denies the claims, stating that it has worked with officials to address concerns and improve protections for teens. The lawsuits aim to halt TikTok’s harmful practices, impose financial penalties, and seek damages for affected users.

Source: AP News