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of hawaii state filed a lawsuit against ByteDance on Wednesday, alleging that TikTok’s parent company built a platform that was dangerously addictive to young users and misled the public about the harm it caused.
The 106-page complaint filed in Hawaii’s First Circuit alleges that TikTok’s business model is based on compulsive use, with programmers building the platform to keep its more than 150 million users in the United States engaged for as long as possible.
Hawaii Attorney General Ann Lopez said features such as the “For You” feed, endless scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and “likes” are built to make the most of your time on the app, as each additional minute on the platform generates more personal data and more advertising revenue for TikTok.
According to the complaint, these features are designed to influence users’ neurobiology, specifically dopamine production, a tactic similarly used in the gambling industry.
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The Hawaii lawsuit alleges that TikTok is dangerously addictive to young users. (Aaron P/Bauer Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)
Addictive techniques are harmful to all users, lawyers argue Children are particularly vulnerable This is because they have a limited ability to self-regulate their viewing time.
The majority of TikTok’s user base is under the age of 18, and internal records show there are millions of users under the age of 13, according to the complaint.
TikTok has been sued twice by the U.S. government for violating regulations. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) But lawyers say the company continues to misrepresent the nature and safety of the app, failing to warn children, parents and the general public about the potential risks.
Other states have also filed lawsuits against TikTok related to the safety of minors. (Dado Luvitch/Reuters/File Photo/Reuters)
The state also alleges that TikTok continues to maintain inadequate age verification and child protection systems and intentionally exploits children for financial gain.
“TikTok has known this for a long time. mental health risks Its platform specifically poses to children and young people. 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 we put in place the reforms needed to protect our communities from exploitation,” Lopez said in a statement.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green added that TikTok’s design creates an environment where “addiction and anxiety thrive.”
The Hawaii lawsuit claims there are millions of TikTok users under the age of 13. (Fabian Sommer/Photography Associate via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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“It is our responsibility as leaders to protect young people from platforms that prioritize profit over health,” Greene said in a statement. “This lawsuit is an important step in holding TikTok accountable for the harm it causes and ensuring children can safely navigate the digital world.”
TikTok did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
The state’s actions are aimed at stopping TikTok from developing harmful and deceptive practices, requiring meaningful protections for children, and ensuring that TikTok accurately discloses the risks associated with its platform.
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The law firm Stern O’Toole, Marcus & Fisher, and Keller Rohrbach has been appointed special deputy attorney general in this case.
