Oregon, Washington AGs accuse TikTok of preying on younger audiences in new suit

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Both Oregon and Washington are taking legal action against TikTok, the popular social media app accused of exploiting its younger audience.

On Tuesday, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced the lawsuit will be filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Wednesday. Her office alleged TikTok has violated the state’s consumer protection laws, namely those against unlawful trade practices.

“Social media companies, out of basic greed, intentionally design their platforms to addict users and keep them scrolling,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “The more time users spend on the platform, the more money in Tik Tok’s pockets! Tragically, it is our youth who are most harmed by these predatory practices.”

Last year, Pew Research Center found that 63% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 have used the app. The number grew to approximately 70% when considering those between the ages of 15 and 17.

Of the teens who use TikTok, about 58% said they open it on a daily basis.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is running for governor, filed a lawsuit against the app on Tuesday. His office alleged the platform has designed its algorithm to keep underage users online for “as long as possible.”

According to state officials, TikTok has issued “misleading” public statements claiming the platform was safe although an internal review had proved otherwise.

Several portions of the complaint against the app that seemingly refer to the internal review have been redacted from public court documents. The AG’s office said TikTok claims that information is “confidential and has not yet been disclosed,” but Ferguson has asked the King County Superior Court to unseal it.

Ferguson and Rosenblum are two of 14 attorneys general to launch separate suits against the company. The U.S. Justice Department also sued the app in August, over allegations that it has illegally collected children’s data.

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