Link: TikTok hit by over a dozen state lawsuits for allegedly harming teens

Attorneys general from 14 states have sued TikTok, alleging the platform harms kids' mental health and misleads about its safety. The lawsuits are led by New York’s Letitia James and California’s Rob Bonta, who claim the platform fosters addiction to increase profits.

Rob Bonta stated, "TikTok intentionally targets children, exploiting their inability to set limits around addictive content." These actions, according to the attorneys general, violate various state laws designed to protect minors.

The lawsuits emphasize TikTok's use of features like autoplay and temporary content to keep children engaged longer. These tactics allegedly lead to higher exposure to dangerous challenges and beauty filters, sometimes resulting in harm or even death.

The platform is also accused of violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting data from minors under 13. Additionally, TikTok misleadingly markets its safety features, suggesting more stringent controls than are actually in place.

In response to the allegations, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek expressed disappointment, stating that the company disputes the claims and remains committed to protecting teens. Haurek emphasized TikTok's extended efforts to collaborate with legal authorities on industrywide challenges.

State AGs, including New Mexico’s Raúl Torrez, are increasingly confronting tech platforms like Snap and Meta, accusing them of not adequately protecting young users from exploitation. These legal actions reflect a growing scrutiny over social media’s impact on youth safety and well-being. #

--

Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.