TikTok Faces Investigation Into Effect on Kids and Teens

Abstract

A multistate coalition recently announced it would be looking into social media app TikTok to investigate whether the techniques it uses to engage young users violate consumer protection laws. The news of the probe follows recent reports that revealed the damaging mental health impact that social media apps have on children and teens, resulting in Instagram pausing its Instagram for Kids service and in lawmakers drafting several bills aimed at protecting children’s mental health and online privacy. This case asks students to discuss the TikTok investigation in the context of the increased attention toward the well-being of young users.