Skip to content 
A bipartisan group of 14 state attorneys general in the United States has filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that the platform has caused harm to children’s mental health by “addicting” young users. The lawsuits, co-led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, criticize several elements of TikTok, such as its endlessly scrolling feed, risky challenge videos, and disruptive late-night notifications. The coalition argues that TikTok’s algorithms are designed to maximize young users’ screen time for revenue, exacerbating mental health issues by encouraging compulsive use.
What 14 State Attorney Have Filed The Lawsuit?
A bipartisan group of 14 state attorneys general is leading a significant lawsuit against TikTok to address the platform’s alleged negative impact on children’s mental health. New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta spearhead this coalition, which includes a diverse group of state leaders. This collective effort highlights widespread concern across the United States about TikTok’s practices and the harmful effects social media can have on young people.
A Lawsuit That Both Sides Agree On
Both traditionally liberal and conservative states have joined this legal action, underscoring that this issue transcends political lines. Although the media has not widely publicized details on all 14 states involved, New York and California’s leadership highlights the influence of states with large populations on national policy debates. Furthermore, states from different regions have united, emphasizing the national scope of the issue. By collectively taking on TikTok, these attorneys general reflect a growing consensus on the need for stricter regulations and increased accountability for social media companies.
This coalition of attorneys general is seeking to impose financial penalties on TikTok and to force the company to change its practices to better protect young users. Their legal action represents the latest in a series of efforts to hold social media companies accountable for the growing evidence that platforms like TikTok can have serious negative effects on mental health, especially among adolescents and teens. The case could have broad implications for the future of social media regulation in the United States, especially as more states are likely to scrutinize the practices of other platforms with similar concerns.
The Allegations They Face
Fourteen state attorneys general allege that TikTok harms the mental health of children and teenagers. They argue that TikTok’s design is intentionally addictive, exploiting young users’ attention spans to boost screen time and increase advertising revenue. According to the attorney general, TikTok’s algorithm is specifically engineered to keep minors on the platform as long as possible. This leads to compulsive use that disrupts personal development, mental health, and daily responsibilities like schoolwork, sleep, and social interactions.
Endless Scroll And Challenge Videos
One key allegation claims that TikTok’s “endlessly scrolling feed” and viral “challenge” videos create a toxic environment, exposing children to dangerous behaviors. The lawsuits emphasize how these challenges frequently encourage risky activities, citing the well-known case of a Brooklyn teen who tragically died while attempting a dangerous “subway surfing” stunt he saw on TikTok. Furthermore, late-night push notifications intensify this addictive environment by disrupting children’s sleep patterns, which contributes to broader mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Promote Body Image Issues
Additionally, TikTok is accused of contributing to body image issues and related mental health disorders through its use of “beauty filters.” These filters digitally alter users’ appearances, often making them look thinner or as if they are wearing makeup, which sets unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards for impressionable teens. The attorneys general argue that this can foster negative social comparisons, leading to low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and other psychological concerns.
Collect And Sell Data Of Children
Another major allegation is that TikTok has violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. Despite claims that TikTok is only for users aged 13 and older, the lawsuits assert that the platform knowingly attracts children under that age and fails to prevent them from joining. Internal documents cited in the complaints suggest that TikTok views users under 13 as a critical demographic, further intensifying concerns over how the platform targets and engages with young audiences.
How TikTok Is Trying To Defend Itself
TikTok has been actively defending itself against the allegations brought forward by 14 state attorneys general, claiming that the accusations are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the company’s extensive efforts to protect its young users. In response to the lawsuits, TikTok has consistently emphasized that it takes the safety and well-being of its users seriously, particularly minors. A spokesperson for the platform, Alex Haurek, stated that TikTok strongly disagrees with the claims being made, asserting that the company has implemented numerous safeguards designed to mitigate risks for young people on the platform.
Claims It Has Safety Features Protecting Children
One of the primary defenses TikTok raises is its suite of safety features specifically aimed at protecting younger users. The platform highlights several tools, such as default screen-time limits for minors and parental controls, which allow guardians to monitor and regulate their children’s usage of the app. TikTok also points to its content moderation practices, which include proactive measures to remove content that violates its community guidelines, such as harmful or dangerous videos associated with viral “challenges.” In cases like the “subway surfing” challenge, where a teenager tragically lost his life, TikTok has cooperated with authorities to remove related content and prevent its spread.
They Are Working With COPPA
In addition, TikTok claims to be working diligently to comply with existing privacy laws, such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and insists that it does not allow users under the age of 13 to join the platform. The company acknowledges that it has made continuous efforts to remove suspected underage users from the platform and denies accusations that it collects personal data from children without consent. TikTok has been collaborating with external child safety experts to improve its policies and ensure that it is aligned with legal requirements, including maintaining strong privacy protections.
They Been Seeking To Collaborate
TikTok also argues that it has attempted to work constructively with regulators, including the attorneys general who filed the lawsuit. According to TikTok, the platform has engaged in discussions with these officials for over two years, seeking collaborative solutions to address concerns. The company expressed disappointment that the attorneys general opted to pursue litigation rather than continuing to work together on industry-wide challenges.
If TikTok Loses
If the attorneys general win their lawsuit against TikTok, the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for TikTok but also for the broader landscape of social media platforms and their interactions with young users.
Financial Penalties
If the courts rule that TikTok violated laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), one immediate consequence would likely be significant financial penalties. The courts could require TikTok to repay any profits earned from ads targeted at children under 13 and teens—amounting to substantial sums due to the platform’s immense popularity among younger demographics. These penalties would act as a financial deterrent and could reshape TikTok’s advertising strategies, especially in terms of how it monetizes content aimed at minors.
Forced To Restructure
Beyond facing financial consequences, TikTok may need to make structural changes to its operations, particularly in its algorithms and content moderation systems. If the attorneys general win, the court could mandate TikTok to overhaul its recommendation algorithms to reduce their addictive nature, especially for young users. These changes might include limiting the time users under a certain age can spend on the platform, reducing push notifications that disrupt sleep patterns, and adjusting how content is displayed.
For example, states like New York have passed laws requiring platforms to show content in chronological order rather than in algorithmically curated feeds, which could fundamentally alter TikTok’s user experience for minors.
Have To Implement Stricter Control
The lawsuits also raise concerns about viral challenges and the dangerous behaviors some TikTok content encourages. If the attorneys general succeed, the court may require TikTok to implement stricter controls over the spread of such content, potentially collaborating more closely with external regulators or watchdog organizations to prevent harmful videos from going viral. This outcome would likely prompt TikTok to adopt more proactive moderation and content filtering systems to swiftly identify and remove dangerous trends and challenges.
Enhance Privacy Protection
Another significant change could involve heightened privacy protections for minors. The courts might require TikTok to enhance its efforts to verify users’ ages more accurately and ensure that children under 13 are not accessing the platform without proper parental consent. This would likely lead to stronger age-gating systems and more robust mechanisms for identifying and removing underage users. Furthermore, TikTok may be required to modify or remove certain features, such as beauty filters, which have been criticized for fostering unhealthy body image issues among teens.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we offer a free consultation at your convenience. You can schedule your appointment via Zoom, Google Meet, email, or in person. We provide comprehensive advice and information to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
The DOJ’s Surprises Apple With An Antitrust Lawsuit
Urgent Amber Alert: Scared Child E’minie Hughes Found
Modern Love: The Joys and Challenges of Online Dating
Legal Implications of Social Media Use: What You Need to Know
Big Social Media Trend Leads To Inhalant Abuse And Deaths In Teens
FAQs on TikTok Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok has negatively impacted children’s mental health by making its platform addictive through algorithms, endless scrolling, and viral challenges, which often lead to dangerous behaviors.
The lawsuit is led by 14 state attorneys general, co-led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, representing a bipartisan effort from states across the U.S.
The allegations include TikTok’s addictive design, promotion of harmful challenges, use of beauty filters affecting body image, and violations of privacy laws by collecting data from users under 13.
TikTok has defended itself by highlighting safety features such as screen-time limits, parental controls, and content moderation. It claims it has worked to protect young users and cooperated with regulators.
If they win, TikTok may face financial penalties and be required to implement changes like limiting algorithmic recommendations, boosting privacy protections, and removing harmful features to safeguard young users.
