TikTok Sued by 14 States Over Alleged Harm to Children’s Mental Health
A coalition of 14 state attorneys general has filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the popular social media platform of harming young people’s mental health through its addictive features and content. The lawsuits, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, allege that TikTok’s design encourages excessive use among minors, potentially leading to negative mental health outcomes.
The legal action raises concerns about various elements of the platform, including TikTok’s continuous scrolling feed, viral challenges that sometimes promote risky behaviour, and late-night push notifications that may disrupt sleep. The attorneys general argue that these features exploit young users’ vulnerabilities, keeping them engaged for extended periods at the expense of their well-being.
TikTok’s Business Model Under Scrutiny
In their filings, the attorneys general claim that TikTok’s business model prioritises increasing user engagement, particularly among minors, to maximise revenue from targeted advertising. “TikTok is designed to keep minors on the platform as long as possible, despite the dangers of compulsive use,” the group stated. They further allege that TikTok’s recommendation system drives users, particularly teenagers, to spend excessive time on the app, which can contribute to mental health challenges.
The lawsuits also accuse TikTok of promoting unrealistic beauty standards through its “beauty filters,” which alter users’ appearances, potentially exacerbating body image issues among young users. The complaints suggest that these filters encourage harmful social comparisons and contribute to both mental and physical health problems.
Growing Concerns Over TikTok’s Impact
The legal action follows increasing scrutiny of TikTok’s influence on younger audiences. In June, New York passed a law aimed at regulating social media algorithms, including requiring platforms to display content in chronological order for users under 18. Additionally, last month, 42 state attorneys general urged the U.S. Surgeon General to mandate warnings on social media apps about their potential harm to young users.
The lawsuits also draw attention to viral TikTok challenges that can lead to dangerous behaviour. The complaint from New York highlights the case of a Brooklyn teen who died after attempting “subway surfing,” a risky stunt promoted on the platform. Despite TikTok’s efforts to remove similar content, the attorneys general argue that the platform’s features encourage unsafe trends.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has strongly rejected the allegations. In a statement, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said, “We disagree with these claims, many of which are misleading.” He noted that the platform has implemented robust safety measures, including default screen time limits for teens and parental control options. Haurek also emphasised TikTok’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with authorities to address concerns and expressed disappointment over the legal action, stating, “It is incredibly disappointing that the attorneys general have taken this step rather than working with us to find constructive solutions.”
The lawsuits also accuse TikTok of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by allegedly collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. Despite TikTok’s claim that it does not permit children under 13 on its platform, the complaint argues that its content often appeals directly to that demographic.
The attorneys general are seeking financial penalties against TikTok, including the repayment of profits from ads targeting teenagers and pre-teens. As TikTok continues to face mounting legal challenges, the platform’s role in shaping the digital experiences of young users remains a focal point in the broader debate on social media regulation.