California among more than a dozen states filing lawsuits against TikTok

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)– More than a dozen states, including California, have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging the app hurts kids’ mental health. The lawsuits come as the app approaches a January deadline to sell to a non-Chinese owner or be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns.

Thirteen states plus D.C. are suing TikTok.

During a press conference earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the app “has intentionally and deliberately manipulated and hurt, knowingly, young people.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other AGs allege the popular video app has highly addictive features.

“I know our parents are worried, I’m worried. I’m also fed up,” Bonta said.

They say the personalized content, endless scrolling and push notifications hook young users and hurt their mental health.

“For the developing teenage brain, TikTok and its platform is like digital nicotine,” Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said.

Schwalb says the longer kids are on the app, the worse off they are.

“Rising levels of depression, eating disorders, perpetual feelings of sadness,” Schwalb said.

D.C.’s lawsuit also takes aim at the app’s use of virtual currency called “TikTok Coins,” which are sent during livestreams and can be cashed in for real money.

Schwalb says that can lead to exploitation of minors.

“Young people are being lured into doing dangerous things online,” Schwalb said.

In a statement on X, TikTok’s policy account pushed back, writing it provides “robust safeguards” to protect young people.

It went on to say: “We’ve endeavored to work with the Attorneys General for over two years, and it is incredibly disappointing they have taken this step rather than work with us on constructive solutions…”

“We’re forced to go to court to hold them accountable, “Schwalb said.

The lawsuits come after a bipartisan group of attorneys general launched a national investigation into the app in 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS47 and KSEE24 | YourCentralValley.com.