The State of Hawaii has initiated legal proceedings against ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, alleging that the app poses significant risks to children’s well-being.
Since its international debut in 2017, TikTok has rapidly ascended to become one of the most popular social media platforms globally, with an estimated 150 million users in the U.S. engaging with the app daily.
However, while many use the app for entertainment, a 106-page lawsuit filed in Hawaii’s first circuit claims that TikTok is intentionally engineered to be addictively engaging, especially for younger audiences.
Hawaii’s Attorney General, Anne Lopez, criticized specific features of the app that are designed to maximize user engagement time. These include endless scrolling, push notifications, likes, and the influential ‘For You’ feed.
Lopez pointed out that extended user engagement benefits ByteDance by increasing data collection and advertising revenue on TikTok.
The lawsuit also compares TikTok’s algorithms and user engagement strategies to those found in the gambling industry, highlighting how these features are crafted to affect neurobiology and dopamine levels.
While the addictive nature of the app poses risks to all users, legal representatives are particularly worried about its impact on younger users who may struggle to manage their screen time effectively.
A substantial portion of TikTok’s American user base is under 18, with approximately 68.2 percent being younger than 13.
This lawsuit is not the first time TikTok has faced legal challenges, having previously been sued twice by the U.S. government for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
In this new lawsuit, attorneys argue that TikTok has not adequately informed users, parents, and the public about the app’s potential risks.
The State is also concerned about what it considers to be insufficient age verification processes, which are meant to ensure users are mature enough to use the platform and are shielded from harmful content. The app is accused of exploiting children for profit.
“TikTok has long known about the mental health risks its platform poses, particularly on our children and young adults. At the heart of this lawsuit is a deep concern for the safety and well-being of our community. We must stand up for our families and ensure that the necessary reforms are put in place to protect our communities from exploitation,” Lopez stated.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green also shared his thoughts, expressing that TikTok’s design fosters an environment where addiction and anxiety are prevalent.
“As leaders, it’s our responsibility to protect our youth from platforms that prioritize profit over their health,” Green stated. “This lawsuit is a crucial step in holding TikTok accountable for the harm it’s causing and ensuring that our children can safely navigate the digital world.”
TikTok has not yet provided a comment regarding the lawsuit.