13 States Sue TikTok for Its Allegedly Addictive Algorithm

More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging the app harms youth mental health through its intentionally addictive design. The lawsuits, submitted on October 8, follow a bipartisan investigation launched in March 2022 by attorneys general from states like California, Kentucky, and New Jersey.

At the core of the complaints is TikTok's algorithm, which customizes content for users via its “For You” feed. The lawsuits highlight features that encourage addiction, such as endless scrolling and push notifications. The District of Columbia described the algorithm as “dopamine-inducing,” asserting it lures young users into excessive app use, despite awareness of potential psychological harms like anxiety and body dysmorphia.

District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated that TikTok profits from keeping young users engaged, generating significant ad revenue at the cost of their mental well-being. The lawsuits argue that TikTok's design creates a harmful environment for children.

While TikTok prohibits users under 13 from joining its main service and restricts certain content for those under 18, many states claim children can easily bypass these safeguards. This allows minors access to adult content, undermining TikTok’s claims of providing a safe platform.

Additionally, the lawsuits accuse TikTok of operating an “unlicensed virtual economy” by enabling users to buy TikTok Coins and send “Gifts” to streamers, with the company taking a 50% cut of these transactions. Concerns are raised about potential exploitation of teens through TikTok’s LIVE streaming feature, allowing the app to function like a “virtual strip club” without age restrictions. As scrutiny of TikTok and other tech companies increases, these lawsuits reflect a growing call for accountability regarding social media's impact on young lives.