Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has launched a lawsuit against the social media giant TikTok, alleging that the company's business practices harm children, as confirmed by a press release from his office. This lawsuit is a culmination of a bipartisan nationwide investigation that began in March 2022, seeking both injunctive relief and monetary penalties. Thirteen other states have joined Illinois in this legal battle, presenting a united front in the face of TikTok's alleged exploitation of youth for profit, which reportedly includes but is not limited to teenagers and even younger children.
"American children and teenagers are in the grip of a devastating mental health crisis," Raoul argued, pointing to the correlating data linking social media use to negative outcomes in the young. The U.S. surgeon general has echoed these concerns, finding solid evidence that the platforms can significantly affect the mental health of adolescents—"The addictive features on TikTok’s social media platform interfere with sleep and education, and contribute to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and thoughts of self-harm," Raoul stated. According to the Illinois Attorney General's Office, certain design features within TikTok are alleged to exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of young users, driving them towards compulsive behavior and prolonged use.
The accusation doesn't stop at harmful design; the lawsuit further alleges that TikTok falsely promotes its platform as safe for youth while prioritizing profit over well-being, a particularly troubling charge considering TikTok's deep reach into the daily habits of American teenagers, with 63% of U.S. teenagers reportedly using TikTok daily. Raoul adds that TikTok could deploy additional safeguards to protect young users but has failed to implement these mechanisms in the United States.
Recognizing the urgency of the mental health crisis among the youth, Raoul has specifically reminded those struggling that they are not alone and should seek out friends or trusted adults for support. He urges those in crisis to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911 for immediate help, as per the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
