### States Sue TikTok Over Allegations of Harm to Young Users

More than a dozen states have launched lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media giant of misleading the public about the safety of its app, which is highly popular among young users. Led by California and New York, these lawsuits were filed on Tuesday across 13 states and the District of Columbia, asserting that TikTok's design deliberately aims to keep teenagers addicted, leading to a mental health crisis among this demographic. The attorneys general behind these suits argue that TikTok has breached consumer protection laws and are demanding changes to the app's features, alongside financial penalties.

This wave of legal action comes as TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban set to take effect on January 19, unless the company cuts ties with ByteDance, its parent company based in China. With half of America using TikTok, the platform now must address mounting legal challenges that mirror growing national concerns about the potential mental health impacts of social media.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that TikTok intentionally targets children, who are particularly vulnerable to addictive content. Bonta emphasized that TikTok should be held accountable for harming American children's time and childhoods.

Echoing a similar stance, New York Attorney General Letitia James highlighted the detrimental effects of TikTok's beauty filters, which can cause body image issues and encourage eating disorders, particularly among young girls. The lawsuits claim that TikTok has failed to adequately warn teens about these risks while pushing such features to keep them engaged longer.

The District of Columbia's lawsuit further alleges that TikTok traps teens in specific online bubbles, exposing them to harmful content related to weight loss, body image, and self-harm—content that TikTok claims not to allow. Additionally, issues have been raised regarding TikTok's live-streaming feature, which has allegedly been used to sexually exploit children through digital "gifts."

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek has called the allegations misleading, stating that the company has implemented robust safeguards and new safety features aimed at protecting underage users. Haurek also noted that these lawsuits come after more than two years of negotiations with the attorneys general, expressing disappointment that these officials chose litigation over collaborative solutions.

The legal proceedings will advance independently in 14 state courts, with each complaint adhering to specific consumer protection laws. While social media platforms, including TikTok, have increased child safety measures, the states argue that these efforts are insufficient and primarily serve as public relations tactics.

Other states involved in the lawsuits include Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington.