States File Lawsuits Against TikTok Over Alleged Harm to Youth Mental Health

A coalition of attorneys general accuses TikTok of fostering addiction in young users through its algorithm and features.

Over a dozen states and Washington, D.C., have filed lawsuits against TikTok, claiming the platform's design is addictive and harms the mental health of young users.
The lawsuits argue that TikTok's algorithm encourages excessive use by promoting endless scrolling and unattainable beauty standards through filters.
Critics, including California and New York attorneys general, claim TikTok targets children to maximize user engagement and corporate profits.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's lawsuit highlights the app's impact on mental health, citing issues like depression and anxiety among young users.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's separate lawsuit accuses TikTok of improperly sharing minors' data, violating the state's parental consent laws.