Several US states, including New York and California, have filed lawsuits against popular social media platform TikTok, accusing the company of harming and failing to protect young people. The lawsuits allege that TikTok intentionally uses addictive software to keep children watching for as long as possible, as well as misrepresenting the effectiveness of its content moderation. TikTok has denied the allegations, stating that many are inaccurate and misleading.
These lawsuits come amidst ongoing legal challenges faced by TikTok in the US, including proposed legislation that could ban the app. Lawmakers have raised concerns that the app could allow the Chinese government to access user data and influence Americans through its algorithm. However, TikTok’s 170 million US users, civil liberties groups, and digital rights groups argue that a ban would infringe on freedom of speech and limit the visibility of marginalized communities.
The American Civil Liberties Union has condemned attempts to shut down TikTok, stating that it is a platform for diverse communities to share their voices. Despite the backlash, more states, including Washington, have joined the lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the platform of facilitating sexual exploitation of underage users. TikTok has defended itself by highlighting safety features such as default screentime limits and privacy settings for minors. The ongoing legal battles highlight the complex issues surrounding social media platforms and the need for increased regulations to protect users, especially young people.
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