Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has announced that the state is joining a coalition of 14 other state attorneys general in taking legal action against TikTok. The enforcement actions, which will be filed separately, allege that TikTok has violated consumer protection laws by exploiting and harming young users while misleading the public about the platform's dangers.
"Social media companies, out of basic greed, intentionally design their platforms to addict users and keep them scrolling. 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," stated AG Rosenblum. She emphasized her focus on protecting America's next generation as President of the National Association of Attorneys General. "From depression and self-harm rates to impacts on sleep, physical health and emotional well-being, we have a responsibility to look at what’s happening to our youth and hold tech companies accountable."
A Pew Research survey from 2023 indicated that 63% of Americans aged 13 to 17 use TikTok, with many teenagers engaging with the platform daily. In Oregon's lawsuit, Attorney General Rosenblum claims that TikTok has breached Oregon's consumer protection statutes under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
The legal action seeks an injunction to stop these violations, demands disgorgement of profits, penalties up to $25,000 per violation, and attorneys' fees. The complaint argues that TikTok's business model aims to maximize young users' engagement for increased advertising revenue. It accuses TikTok of deploying an addictive content-recommendation system and using manipulative features targeting children's psychological vulnerabilities.
Joining Oregon in this legal pursuit are attorneys general from California, New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. These states aim to hold TikTok accountable for its alleged role in exacerbating a nationwide youth mental health crisis.
In totality so far this year (2024), 23 state attorneys general have initiated legal actions against TikTok including those from Utah; Nevada; Indiana; New Hampshire; Nebraska; Arkansas; Iowa; Kansas; and Texas.