Vermont AG sues TikTok for allegedly exploiting children through addictive properties

Attorney General Charity Clark has filed a lawsuit against TikTok Inc., accusing the company of violating Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit, coordinated with fourteen other U.S. attorneys general, alleges that TikTok uses manipulative design features to excessively engage young users. This legal action follows a similar complaint against Meta Platforms, Inc.

The complaint states that TikTok’s platform is designed to resemble slot machines, trapping young users in cycles of overuse. It is also alleged that TikTok linked its livestreaming feature, TikTok LIVE, to an illegal virtual economy, leading to sexual and financial exploitation of young users. According to the complaint, TikTok is cutting back on transactions on its LIVE platform by up to fifty percent.

Attorney General Clark stated, “TikTok profits from making children and teens addicted to their platform, and by design. The time has come to put an end to this harmful practice and restore the mental and physical health of young people.” She added: “I condemn TikTok for exploiting the children of Vermont. I will never stop fighting for our children.”

The US Surgeon General has highlighted the risks of social media to the mental health of young users and suggested warning labels on these platforms. The lawsuit points to an increase in depression, anxiety and isolation among Vermont’s youth due to social media use. A 2021 survey by the Vermont Department of Health found that nearly half of high school students and more than a third of all high school students in Vermont experience poor mental health due to screen time.

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief requiring changes in the way TikTok operates, along with fines and monetary compensation for harm caused by these practices. Attorney General Clark continues her investigation into other social media platforms for similar issues.