States Sue TikTok Over Youth Mental Health Risks

A coalition of 14 states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that the platform's addictive features and misleading claims about safety are harming youth mental health. The lawsuits accuse TikTok of violating state laws by targeting children with features that promote compulsive use, resulting in increased anxiety, depression, and exposure to dangerous viral challenges. Officials argue that the platform's design, including its algorithm and features like endless scrolling and beauty filters, contributes to body image issues and mental health struggles among young users. TikTok, which asserts it has safeguards in place to protect minors, faces demands for financial penalties and changes to its practices. The lawsuits are part of a broader effort to hold social media companies accountable for their impact on youth. The legal actions have been prompted by a national investigation into TikTok that began in March 2022.