The legal case against TikTok in New Hampshire is gaining momentum as a local court has denied the company's request to dismiss the case.
Allegations Against TikTok
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella called the decision 'an important step toward holding TikTok accountable for unlawful practices that put children at risk.' Superior Court Judge John Kissinger Jr. noted that the state's arguments were based on app design issues rather than user-generated content. The lawsuit claims TikTok intentionally creates a addictive interface aimed specifically at children to keep them engaged on the platform.
Comparisons with Other Platforms
Similar allegations of utilizing harmful and addictive design features have been directed at other social media platforms. Meta has faced scrutiny from various states for its potential negative effects on children's mental health. Additionally, Discord was sued by New Jersey in April for allegedly misleading the public about safety provisions.
Future of TikTok in the US
TikTok is encountering ongoing legal challenges, which are not new for the company. In 2024, Joe Biden passed a law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a U.S. ban. The latest deadline for selling TikTok's operations in the US has been extended to September 17, 2025. Beyond these legal issues, TikTok is reportedly developing a new app for American users with a different algorithm, although the company has disputed these reports as inaccurate.
Thus, TikTok continues to face legal pressures and challenges from authorities, which may significantly influence the platform's future in the United States.
