Practically since the beginning of the social media platform TikTok, there has been intense criticism that it has a drastic effect on children—and now an official investigation will seek to uncover if those claims are true. According to recent reports, the California Attorney General has just launched an official investigation to determine if TikTok is to blame for negatively impacting children.
@LATimes reports, California Attorney General Rob Bonata has launched a complete nationwide investigation into TikTok and the alleged risks and harm it poses to children. The investigation will include how Tiktok has purposely tried to increase the time and frequency that minors use the popular app, how much the company is aware of the potential harm it may be causing to minors and if any consumer protection laws have been violated.
While giving a statement on his investigation Bonta, said “Our children are growing up in the age of social media — and many feel like they need to measure up to the filtered versions of reality that they see on their screens. We know this takes a devastating toll on children’s mental health and well-being. But we don’t know what social media companies knew about these harms and when. Our nationwide investigation will allow us to get much-needed answers and determine if TikTok is violating the law in promoting its platform to young Californians.”
Additionally, although Bonta is representing the state of California in the investigation, there will be attorney generals from eight other states that will also be a part of the thorough investigation.
TikTok is arguably the most popular social media platform for young children, due to its short-form videos, tutorials and viral challenges. In 2020, it gained considerable popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of now, TikTok has not publicly responded to the investigation.
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