TikTok, the popular social media app, is facing a lawsuit filed by the state of Iowa over allegations of misleading parents about the presence of inappropriate content on the platform. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird claims that TikTok is making explicit content easily accessible to young users while inaccurately maintaining a “12+” age rating on the Apple App Store. The state argues that if TikTok were correctly rated, it would receive a “17+” label instead. The lawsuit also points out that TikTok’s “Teen” ratings in the Google Play Store and Microsoft Store are equally inaccurate.
According to investigations conducted by the state of Iowa, TikTok allows users as young as 13 to readily access recipes for alcoholic drinks, advice on using marijuana, music with profane lyrics, and videos promoting eating disorders, self-harm, and even suicide. The lawsuit further claims that TikTok’s Restricted Mode, which is supposed to filter inappropriate content, fails to work effectively when enabled. These allegations raise serious concerns about the kind of content young users are exposed to on the platform.
Attorney General Bird emphasizes that TikTok has kept parents in the dark and accuses the app of misrepresenting the severity of its content. By misleadingly maintaining a “12+” age rating, TikTok has bypassed parental controls and exposed young children to graphic material. Bird argues that it is time to shine a light on TikTok and hold them accountable for their actions.
The state of Iowa is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction under Iowa’s Consumer Fraud Act to force TikTok to stop making misleading statements about the presence of inappropriate content. Additionally, the state is pursuing civil penalties, disgorgement, and other fees. This legal action aims to protect young users from being exposed to harmful material and ensure that TikTok accurately rates its content.
TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek has responded to the allegations, claiming that the platform has industry-leading safeguards in place for young people, including parental controls and time limits for users under 18. Haurek assures the public that TikTok is committed to prioritizing community safety and addressing industry-wide challenges.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced legal action related to its content. In 2022, the state of Indiana filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the app misled parents about showing sexual and drug-related content to minors. While the Indiana lawsuit has since been dismissed, TikTok continues to find itself at the center of various legal battles, including one from Utah that claims the app makes children addicted to its platform. Furthermore, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the legality of blocking young users from signing up for TikTok without parental permission.
The controversy surrounding TikTok and its misleading content highlights the importance of protecting the well-being of young social media users. Platforms like TikTok need to take responsibility for the content they provide to their users, especially those who are underage. Efforts must be made to enforce accurate age ratings, improve content filters, and implement effective parental control features. Only by prioritizing the safety and welfare of young users can social media platforms create a positive and responsible online environment.
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