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More than a dozen states sue TikTok for its allegedly addictive algorithm

The states argue the platform is falsely advertising its content as safe for children.

TikTok's already long list of legal troubles continue, with 13 states and the District of Columbia filing new lawsuits that claims its "addictive algorithm" is part of a profit model that harms children. Through its intentionally addictive software, the lawsuit claims, children are incentivized to keep watching videos for as long as possible, resulting in poor mental health and body image issues, as well as harm from viral TikTok challenges. Washington D.C.'s filing also accuses the company of operating an unlicensed money transmission business through its live streaming and virtual currency features, Reuters reported, which also facilitate the sexual exploitation of underage users.

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