Summary:
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Major Lawsuits Filed
The District of Columbia and 13 states have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of creating a product designed to be addictive, likening it to “digital nicotine.” -
Claims of Knowingly Harmful Design
Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb asserts that TikTok’s features, including its algorithm, infinite scroll, push notifications, and in-app currency, are intended to increase user engagement at the expense of children’s health. -
Impact on Youth
Schwalb emphasized that TikTok’s platform is “dangerously addictive” and is causing significant harm to a generation of young users, prioritizing profits over their well-being. -
Unregulated Virtual Economy
The lawsuits also highlight concerns over TikTok’s “unregulated and illegal virtual economy,” which allegedly allows harmful content to reach vulnerable young users. -
Bipartisan Investigation Background
These legal actions follow a bipartisan investigation into TikTok that began in March 2022, involving a coalition of attorneys general from various states. -
Widespread Legal Scrutiny
States including New York, California, Kentucky, and New Jersey have joined the legal battle, indicating a growing concern over the platform’s impact on minors and the need for stricter regulations.
Read more at: Courthouse News