TikTok continues to find itself embroiled in controversies. Recent leaks reveal that the ByteDance-owned platform knowingly maintained its addictive feed to keep users engaged. Earlier this month, more than a dozen US states filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the app of misleading the public about its safety. The lawsuits claim that TikTok's algorithm is intentionally designed to captivate children. Additionally, TikTok's virtual currency is cited in the lawsuit as a tool used to exploit children. Kentucky is one of the states that took legal action, with its lawsuit alleging that TikTok purposefully crafted its algorithm to be addictive. This information, initially redacted, was accidentally disclosed by Kentucky’s attorney general’s office, first reported by Kentucky Public Radio and subsequently covered by other media outlets.
TikTok Puts a Number to Addiction
The lawsuit claims that users become addicted to TikTok, experiencing what the company refers to as the "habit moment," after watching 260 or more videos within the first week of using the app. Given that some videos are as short as 8 seconds, the complaint suggests that an average user could develop an addiction in just under 35 minutes.
Additionally, TikTok allegedly altered its algorithm to reduce the appearance of "unattractive" individuals in the "For You" feed. This change, according to Kentucky's complaint, was an active effort by the company to promote a narrow beauty standard, potentially harming young users.
Social media companies often use algorithms to keep users engaged for extended periods. A TikTok executive reportedly stated that the app's algorithm is designed to keep children from sleeping, eating, moving around, or making eye contact with others.
TikTok's immense value, estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, is largely due to its dedicated user base of over 170 million Americans. However, the content recommendation algorithm, a key factor in TikTok's success, may be so crucial that ByteDance—and possibly the Chinese government—might opt to let the platform be banned rather than sell it to U.S. competitors.
TikTok Did Not Have Adequate Moderation Mechanism
The lawsuit, citing internal communications, claims that TikTok's content moderation metrics are "largely misleading" because they only reflect the content the company captures, not what it misses. Recently, TikTok laid off hundreds of employees, many from its content moderation team, as it transitions to using artificial intelligence (AI) for this task. The company stated, "We’re making these changes as part of our ongoing efforts to further strengthen our global operating model for content moderation." While AI is increasingly being integrated into various business functions, with some viewing it as a bubble, it is generally expected to automate several processes. In response to the lawsuit, TikTok dismissed the allegations, saying, "Unfortunately, this complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and takes outdated documents out of context to misrepresent our commitment to community safety."
Children Were Being Sexually Exploited on TikTok
TikTok faces criticism for inadequate content moderation and its handling of underage users. A 2022 Forbes investigation revealed that teens were being sexually exploited on the platform, with children under 15 engaging in inappropriate activities in exchange for virtual and real currency. TikTok's policies prohibit users under 16 from hosting live streams and ban explicit sexual content, stating that "showing semi-nudity of adults, such as wearing only nipple covers or underwear that does not cover the majority of the buttocks," is not allowed. Additionally, "showing adults engaging in intimate kissing, sexualized framing, or sexualized behavior" is banned. Despite these rules, Forbes discovered that minors were being exploited, highlighting TikTok's insufficient moderation. Leah Plunkett, an assistant dean at Harvard Law School and faculty associate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, likened these livestreams to "the digital equivalent of going down the street to a strip club filled with 15-year-olds," describing it as sexual exploitation and criticizing TikTok for enabling such activities.
Is There a Political Will to Act Against Social Media Companies?
US politicians are increasingly acknowledging the negative impact of major social media platforms. In his 2022 State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden stated, "We must hold social media platforms accountable for the national experiment they’re conducting on our children for profit." He emphasized the need to strengthen privacy protections, ban targeted advertising to children, and demand that tech companies cease collecting personal data from minors.
Discussions about banning TikTok in the US have persisted for four years, initially aligning with the 2020 presidential election period when then-President Donald Trump adopted a tough stance on China. The primary concern driving the proposed ban was data security, as TikTok is required to assist the Chinese government with intelligence operations if requested.
In August 2020, Trump issued an executive order giving TikTok 90 days to sell its US assets to a US-based company or cease operations in the country. However, after losing the election, the TikTok ban stalled, although federal employees were later prohibited from using the app on government devices.
Recently, Trump reversed his position on the TikTok ban, arguing it would benefit Facebook, which he opposes due to its moderation of the Hunter Biden laptop story during the 2020 election. His change of heart may also be influenced by significant donations to his campaign from Jeff Yass, a major investor in ByteDance with a 15% stake. Trump's history of alleged quid-pro-quo deals is well-documented.
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US Wants ByteDance to Trim Its Stake
In April, President Joe Biden enacted the Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which mandates a ban on TikTok unless ByteDance divests its stake. However, ByteDance has contested the ban, citing the First Amendment, and has consistently denied posing a national security threat to the U.S. or any other nation.
A Forbes investigation has likened TikTok to a "strip club," and Kentucky's lawsuit accuses TikTok of intentionally making its content addictive, potentially strengthening the argument for a ban. Despite this, the debate over banning TikTok in the U.S. remains complex. Critics argue that the true intent behind the ban is to suppress the free flow of information and prevent Americans from accessing non-mainstream sources. For instance, Senator Mitt Romney suggested that the widespread congressional support for the bill stemmed from a desire to stifle dissent against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Interestingly, while many politicians advocate for banning TikTok, they also use the platform to engage with voters. As the U.S. presidential elections approach, neither political side seems eager to ban the app, which remains extremely popular, especially among younger users.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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