TikTok Faces Legal Onslaught: States Unite Against App's Youth Impact

More than a dozen states have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing it of being addictive and harmful to children's mental health. The complaint centers on TikTok's algorithm and design features that draw users in, generating substantial ad revenue but posing significant mental health risks.

In a significant legal challenge, more than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have sued TikTok, claiming its addictive features harm children's mental health. The lawsuits, filed in state courts, center on TikTok's algorithm, which customizes content to lure users, particularly young ones, into prolonged use.

Officials argue that the app's design prioritizes profit over the well-being of users, highlighting features like endless scrolling and push notifications. The lawsuits are part of a broader push against social media companies, with TikTok's future in the US further complicated by federal laws that threaten its operation unless ByteDance sells it.

While TikTok disputes the allegations, asserting its commitment to teen safety, the lawsuits aim to restrict the app's features, impose financial penalties, and seek damages for affected users. The legal actions resemble past strategies against industries like tobacco, illustrating a growing concern over social media's impact on youth.

(With inputs from agencies.)