While TikTok has become perhaps the most popular social media platform of recent times, its success doesn’t always go unquestioned. In fact, the social media giant TikTok, which has faced similar lawsuits in the past, is now facing a lawsuit from the Utah administration in the US. So, what is the exact reason for this lawsuit?
TikTok and the US are once again in a lawsuit
TikTok faces scrutiny in the US. According to Reuters, Utah is currently suing TikTok. Previously, Indiana and Arkansas had also brought similar lawsuits to the table. The reason for the lawsuit is TikTok being accused of harming children by promoting unhealthy screen time on the platform.
The possibility of banning TikTok due to security concerns first arose in 2020. However, over the following three years, there was very little movement on this issue. Nevertheless, there are now three separate states aiming to impose some restrictions on TikTok, with the latest being Utah, which has filed a lawsuit against TikTok.
Currently, the situation with TikTok varies from state to state. Last month, California was looking to enact a law to protect children while using the internet, but this law was blocked by a federal judge. Now, Utah is taking action against TikTok, alleging that the app exploits children to use it and monitor it.
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Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes has accused TikTok of lying to children and parents about the app’s safety and of the app having terrible effects on mental and physical health due to excessive time spent on the platform.
The lawsuit alleges that the social media platform uses ‘highly powerful algorithms and manipulative design features, many of which mimic the characteristics of slot machines.’ The state’s investigation is ongoing. Utah is seeking not only a restraining order to prevent TikTok from violating state laws concerning deceptive business practices but also legal penalties.
