Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
Nebraska Attorney General (AG) Mike Hilgers has filed a lawsuit against social media company TikTok in Nebraska State Court, alleging violations of Nebraska’s consumer protection laws.
Hilgers’ lawsuit claims TikTok has engaged in deceptive and unfair trade practices by intentionally designing and operating a platform that is addictive and harmful to teens and children while presenting itself as “family-friendly” and “safe” for young users.
The lawsuit aims to hold TikTok accountable for deception within advertising, app store ratings, dealings with PTAs, and other public statements, TikTok has held itself out as a leader and advocate for youth and online safety.
“However, TikTok’s own internal documents and the experience of thousands of users across Nebraska tell a strikingly different story. TikTok knows that its platform is addictive, that compulsive use is rampant, and that its purported safety features, such as age verification and parental controls, are grossly ineffective,” said the AG’s office in a press release.
“Within minutes of signing up, the TikTok algorithm has shown kids inappropriate content, ranging from videos that encourage suicidal ideation and fuel depression, drive body image issues, and encourage eating disorders to those that encourage drug use and sexual content wildly inappropriate for young kids,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “TikTok is fueling a youth mental health crisis in Nebraska, exploiting children and teens. Not only does social media use interfere with sleep, school, and family activities, but it also leads to social isolation, fosters unrealistic social comparison, and exposes young users to age-inappropriate content.”
The lawsuit follows a State investigation into TikTok’s business practices, which the lawsuit claims TikTok intentionally delayed, evaded, and failed to adequately comply with.
This lawsuit is the latest move from AG Hilgers pursuing social media companies for potential negative effects on youth mental health. Earlier this year, Hilgers joined a national coalition of state attorneys general in suing Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, for broadly similar conduct.
Our office is accepting submissions related to underage users on TikTok. If your child has been affected or you have other relevant information, please contact the Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682.