### Kentucky Joins Nationwide Lawsuit Against TikTok, Accusing Platform of Addicting Youth

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has joined forces with attorneys general from across the United States in filing a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the social media platform has knowingly targeted and addicted young users. Coleman, along with counterparts from more than a dozen other states and Washington D.C., claims that TikTok is aware of the harm it causes to youth, yet continues to employ strategies designed to keep them engaged on the platform.

The lawsuit, filed in Scott County, asserts that TikTok's safety measures are largely ineffective in curbing youth screen time or shielding them from harmful content that even violates the app’s own guidelines. “TikTok was specifically designed to be an addiction machine, targeting children who are still in the process of developing appropriate self-control,” Coleman stated. “If we don't hold TikTok accountable, our children will suffer the very real consequences. Nothing less than their mental, physical and emotional health are on the line.”

Kentucky Public Radio uncovered redacted portions of the 119-page court filing, revealing that internal TikTok documents indicated the company’s safeguards had a negligible impact on teen users. One such measure, designed to nudge users about their screen time, only reduced average daily usage from 108.5 minutes to 107 minutes amongst teens. Despite realizing this limited effectiveness, TikTok did not redesign the tool to better mitigate excessive use.

Beyond screen time, the lawsuit highlights TikTok’s algorithm, which perpetuates narrow beauty standards and negatively impacts the wellbeing of young users by promoting unrealistic beauty norms. The filing also points to internal communications that suggest TikTok once adjusted its algorithm to prioritize more attractive subjects, knowingly excluding less attractive individuals from being amplified.

In addition, the lawsuit argues that the platform's moderation efforts fail to protect young users from harmful content. Features like TikTok's live-streaming function have led to instances where underage users host videos in exchange for digital gifts, which could potentially expose them to sexual exploitation.

Coleman’s office is requesting that the court recognize TikTok’s violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act and impose up to $2,000 for every infraction. The lawsuit also seeks an injunction against TikTok and demands that the company forfeit its profits from these alleged deceptive practices.

This lawsuit adds to TikTok’s mounting legal woes in the United States, including facing a potential nationwide ban unless it severs ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, by January 19. TikTok spokesman Alex Haurek has described the lawsuits as misleading, emphasizing that the company has already implemented several safety features and age restrictions.

The coordinated legal actions underscore a growing concern about the impact of social media on youth and the responsibility of platforms like TikTok to foster a safer digital environment.