Hawaii sues TikTok for allegedly building ‘addictive’ platform targeting kids

The state of Hawaii filed a lawsuit Wednesday against ByteDance Inc., alleging that TikTok’s parent company built the platform to be dangerously addictive for young users and mislead the public about the harms it poses.

The 106-page complaint, filed in Hawaii’s 1st Circuit, alleges that TikTok’s business model is built on coercive use, with programmers regulating the platform to keep its more than 150 million American users engaged for as long as possible.

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said features like the “For You” feed, infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications and likes are designed to maximize time on the app, and every extra minute on the platform generates more personal data and more ad revenue for TikTok.

The features were also designed to influence users’ neurobiology, particularly dopamine production, in tactics similarly used in the gambling industry, according to the complaint.

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While addictive technologies are harmful to all users, advocates claim that children are particularly vulnerable because of their limited ability to self-regulate screen time.

A large portion of TikTok’s user base is under 18, with internal records showing millions of users are under 13, according to the complaint.

TikTok has been sued twice by the US government for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), but lawyers claim it failed to warn children, parents or the public about potential risks and continues to misrepresent the nature and safety of the app.

Lawsuits have also been filed against TikTok in other states related to the safety of minors. (Dado Rovik / Reuters / Archive photo / Reuters)

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The state also alleges that TikTok continues to maintain inadequate age verification and child protection systems, and intentionally exploits children for economic gain.

“TikTok has long known about the mental health risks its platform poses, especially to our children and youth. At the heart of this lawsuit is a deep concern for the safety and well-being of our community. We must stand up for our families and ensure the necessary reforms are implemented to protect our communities from exploitation,” Lopez wrote in a statement.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green added that TikTok’s design creates an environment where “addiction and anxiety thrive.”

The Hawaii lawsuit claims there are millions of TikTok users under the age of 13. (Fabian Sommer/Image Alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images)

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“As leaders, we have a responsibility to protect our youth from platforms that prioritize profit over their health,” Green wrote in a statement. “This lawsuit is a critical step in holding TikTok accountable for the harm it causes and ensuring our children are able to safely navigate the digital world.”

TikTok did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

The state’s action seeks to prevent TikTok from spreading harmful and deceptive practices, requires meaningful safeguards for children and ensures that TikTok accurately discloses the risks associated with its platform.

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The law firms Starn O’Toole Marcus and Fisher and Keller Rohrback LLP were appointed to serve as special deputy prosecutors in the case.