A nationwide group of state attorneys general have launched an investigation into TikTok and it’s possible harmful impact on the mental health of young users, widening government scrutiny of the wildly popular video platform.
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP/CNN) — A nationwide group of state attorneys general have launched an investigation into TikTok and it’s possible harmful impact on the mental health of young users, widening government scrutiny of the wildly popular video platform. The probe zeroes in on the social media platform’s engagement techniques to determine whether any of its practices may run afoul of state consumer protection laws, according to announcements by the states. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong cited “reckless viral challenges” on TikTok as a major source of concern. He added that while TikTok has made some moves to limit harms to children, “our investigation will look at what TikTok knew about the risks to our children, and precisely what they have been doing to keep our kids online.” The list of participating states includes California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont. U.S. lawmakers and federal regulators have criticized TikTok, citing practices and computer-driven promotion of content they say can endanger the physical and mental health of young users.
