More than a dozen U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the popular video-sharing platform of intentionally designing its app to be addictive and harmful to children's mental health. These lawsuits come as part of a broader national investigation launched in March 2022, led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from several states, including New York, California, Kentucky, and New Jersey.
The Heart of the Lawsuits: TikTok's Algorithm
The primary focus of these lawsuits is TikTok’s powerful algorithm, which personalizes the content shown on users’ "For You" feed based on their interests. The lawsuits claim that TikTok employs design features that encourage addictive behaviors in children, such as endless scrolling, dopamine-triggering notifications, and the use of face filters that promote unrealistic beauty standards. These features, the lawsuits argue, have significant negative consequences on the mental health of young users, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta was vocal in his criticism during a press conference, stating, “They’ve chosen profit over the health, safety, and well-being of our children, and that’s something we cannot accept.” His words reflect a growing concern over the exploitation of young users for financial gain.
The Broader Fight Against Social Media Addiction
TikTok is not the only social media platform facing legal scrutiny. In the past year, several states also sued Meta, Instagram’s parent company, for similar allegations of harming young people’s mental health by intentionally creating addictive features. These legal challenges resemble past efforts by states to hold the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries accountable for their harmful practices.
Brian Schwalb, the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, emphasized the connection between user engagement and revenue, saying, "Keeping people on the platform is how they generate massive ad revenue. But unfortunately, it’s also how they generate adverse mental health impacts on the users."
A Bigger Battle for TikTok's Survival in the U.S.
While these lawsuits focus on TikTok’s design and mental health implications, the company faces a larger challenge—its very existence in the U.S. could be threatened. Under a new federal law, TikTok might be banned from the country by mid-January unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform. Both TikTok and ByteDance are currently challenging the law, with a decision expected from the U.S. appeals court soon.
In response to the lawsuits, TikTok expressed disappointment, stating that the company had been collaborating with attorneys general for two years to address concerns. “We strongly disagree with these claims, many of which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading,” said TikTok spokesman Alex Haurek. He further emphasized the company's commitment to protecting teens on the platform, noting that TikTok continues to improve its safety features.
Allegations of a Virtual Economy and Exploitation
A separate accusation claims that TikTok operates as an “unlicensed virtual economy” through its in-app purchases, such as TikTok Coins. Users can buy virtual currency and send “Gifts” to live streamers, who can cash out the earnings. However, TikTok takes a significant 50% commission from these transactions, sparking criticism that the platform profits from exploiting minors. The District of Columbia also alleges that TikTok has failed to register as a money transmitter with the U.S. Treasury or local authorities.
Concerns over child exploitation on TikTok’s live streaming feature have also been raised. Officials allege that the platform allows teens to be exploited for sexually explicit content, comparing the app to a "virtual strip club" with inadequate age restrictions. These claims add to the mounting pressure TikTok faces as states demand accountability and reform.
The Mental Health Crisis and Social Media Use
The prevalence of social media use among teens is staggering. According to a Pew Research Center report, nearly all U.S. teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 use social media, with about one-third admitting they are on the platforms "almost constantly." This increased use has been linked to a rise in mental health issues among teens. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that high school students who frequently use social media are more likely to experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Broader Legal Actions Against TikTok
As the lawsuits against TikTok gain traction, several states are pushing the company to comply with legal investigations. On Tuesday, 22 additional states, including Alabama, Colorado, and Michigan, filed an amicus brief supporting Tennessee’s efforts to compel TikTok to release documents related to a multistate investigation. The company has been accused of withholding or destroying critical information.
Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently sued TikTok, claiming the company shared and sold minors’ personal information in violation of a new state law. TikTok is also contesting a similar federal lawsuit filed in August by the Department of Justice. Republican-led states, including Nebraska, Kansas, and Arkansas, have also filed lawsuits, alleging TikTok's involvement in harming children’s mental health and exposing them to inappropriate content.