California Sues TikTok Over Youth Safety Practices
California AG Rob Bonta says the state is suing TikTok, pushing for safety commitments similar to Meta's.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Tuesday that the state is taking legal action against TikTok, according to an interview with CNBC. The lawsuit centers on the platform's practices regarding young users, with Bonta emphasizing the need for TikTok to adopt measures similar to those already implemented by Meta.
Bonta stated that the state is seeking to ensure TikTok follows the same commitments and practices that Meta has adopted. He noted that while TikTok has shown interest in dialogue, California is prepared to escalate if voluntary changes are not made.
"We are looking to ensure that TikTok adopts the similar practices and commitments that Meta did," Bonta said. He added that the state has also been in communication with Snap about these issues and is closely watching YouTube's approach.
Bonta expressed hope that TikTok will come to the table and commit to these changes voluntarily. However, he made clear that the state is willing to take additional steps if necessary. The lawsuit marks a significant move in the ongoing scrutiny of social media platforms and their impact on youth mental health.