Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has initiated legal proceedings against TikTok, accusing the company of engaging in harmful business practices that target children and allegedly mislead the public about potential dangers associated with its platform. This action is part of a broader investigation announced by Raoul in March 2022, which seeks both injunctive relief and monetary penalties for TikTok's conduct.
In addition to Illinois, 13 other states have filed separate lawsuits against TikTok, citing violations of state consumer protection laws. The lawsuits argue that TikTok’s business model focuses on maximizing user engagement to sell advertising, targeting youth in ways that exploit them.
“American children and teenagers are in the grip of a devastating mental health crisis,” Raoul stated. He emphasized that features on TikTok contribute to various mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. "In Illinois, we will always put our children and young people first," he added.
The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted risks posed by social media to children's mental health. Adolescents spending over three hours daily on these platforms face increased risks of negative mental health outcomes. A Pew Research survey from 2023 revealed that 63% of Americans aged 13 to 17 use TikTok regularly.
Raoul claims that TikTok uses addictive design features that exploit young users’ vulnerabilities, encouraging prolonged usage linked to adverse psychological effects. He argues that despite having mechanisms to protect young users, TikTok prioritizes profits over safety.
This lawsuit aligns with Raoul's ongoing efforts to address social media's impact on youth in Illinois. In October 2023, he announced a similar lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., owner of Facebook and Instagram.
Recently, Raoul joined a coalition urging Congress to mandate warnings on algorithm-driven social media platforms about their potential harms.
States joining Illinois in filing actions include California, Kentucky, New York, Oregon, and Washington among others. Overall, attorneys general from 23 states have taken action against TikTok regarding its practices toward youth.
Attorney General Raoul encourages young people facing difficulties to seek support from friends or trusted adults and advises those in crisis to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.