TikTok sued by 14 attorneys general, including NY, over alleged harm to children’s mental health

The lawsuits take issue with several parts of the app, including "challenge" videos that they allege encourage users to engage in risky behavior and a lack of protections for kids.

Julia Rosier

Oct 9, 2024, 12:18 AM

Updated 23 days ago

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Fourteen new lawsuits have been filed by attorneys generals against popular social media platform TikTok, including New York.
The lawsuits allege the platform has harmed young people's mental health.
The lawsuits take issue with several parts of the app, including "challenge" videos that they allege encourage users to engage in risky behavior and a lack of protections for kids.
"TikTok is the most addictive. It always has been far ahead of other platforms in terms of its addictive nature and I think that is because of the algorithmic hold that it has and the use of that ai recommendation system," says Kris Ruby, president of the Ruby Media Group and local social media expert.
Some parents News 12 spoke to agree with the lawsuit and others disagree.
"Right now, just want to make sure that they're protected, that they're safe and I can keep an eye on what they're up to," says Alvin Brown, a parent and Yonkers resident.
"Kids these days, they can go on any website, right now, internet and search whatever they want so it's not really a big deal," says Aymen Rhim, a parent and Yonkers resident.
News 12 also reached out to TikTok for comment.
"We strongly disagree with these claims, many of which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading. We're proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we've done to protect teens and we will continue to update and improve our product," says a spokesperson for TikTok. "We provide robust safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users, and have voluntarily launched safety features such as default screentime limits, family pairing, and privacy by default for minors under 16. We've endeavored to work with the Attorneys General for over two years, and it is incredibly disappointing they have taken this step rather than work with us on constructive solutions to industrywide challenges."