13 states are suing TikTok for child exploitation

TikTok has been used across the United States, while 13 states and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits on Tuesday accusing the platform of failing to protect young users.

The cases, filed individually in states including New York and California, allege that the social media giant uses software specifically designed to exploit children’s time online, enabling unhealthy screen habits.

The lawsuits add to TikTok’s legal challenges with U.S. regulators as states demand financial sanctions and stricter oversight of the Chinese app.

According to the complaints, TikTok deliberately targets minors, with accusations that the addictive nature of the platform is designed to maximize user engagement for advertising purposes.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned TikTok’s business model, stating that the platform knowingly engages children in content that promotes long-term use. ““TikTok thrives on encouraging social media addiction for profit by exploiting children who are not yet equipped to regulate their screen time.” Bonta said.

Meanwhile, Letitia James, New York’s attorney general, highlighted the negative impact on mental health and pointed to growing concerns among teens about their digital well-being.

In response, TikTok rejected the claims, describing many as inaccurate and claiming the lawsuits failed to recognize the safety measures the platform has implemented.

The company is disappointed with the states’ decision to sue the platform instead of working together on industry-wide solutions. TikTok mentioned features such as screen time limits and privacy controls for younger users, emphasizing that these measures are part of efforts to ensure a safer environment for minors.

More accusations emerged in Washington DC, where Attorney General Brian Schwalb accused TikTok of operating an unlicensed money transmission business through livestreaming and virtual currency systems.

Schwalb went further, claiming that the app enables environments that are at risk of sexual exploitation, likening its functionality to a “virtual strip club” with insufficient age restrictions.

The recent lawsuits come as more complaints come in about TikTok’s potential impact on children, adding to a series of legal issues. Last year, several states launched investigations into TikTok’s influence on young audiences, and the U.S. Department of Justice sued the platform in August for alleged violations of children’s privacy laws.

Other states, such as Utah and Texas, have previously filed similar claims, accusing TikTok of failing to protect minors.