Legal Action Initiated Against TikTok by Attorneys General Over Alleged Harm to Young Users

ICARO Media Group
News
08/10/2024 17h16

### Attorneys General File Lawsuits Against TikTok Over Alleged Harm to Young Users

In a significant legal action, multiple attorneys general from across the nation have initiated lawsuits against TikTok. The social media giant is accused of employing addictive features that target young users, allegedly prioritizing profit from advertisement revenue at the expense of their well-being.

Leading this charge are California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who, together with 12 other attorneys general, have filed separate lawsuits citing violations of consumer protection laws. This coalition's move underscores the escalating concern over the platform's impact on youth, particularly its 170 million users in the U.S., among whom many are teenagers.

Attorney General Letitia James highlighted the grave consequences associated with TikTok's addictive nature. In a press release, James stated, "In New York and across the country, young people have died or gotten injured doing dangerous TikTok challenges and many more are feeling more sad, anxious, and depressed because of TikTok's addictive features."

This legal action forms part of a broader movement aimed at compelling social media companies to implement stronger protective measures for children and teenagers online. Both state and federal authorities are ramping up their efforts to hold tech giants accountable for user safety amidst growing concerns over mental health and risky behaviors prompted by these platforms.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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