TikTok parent company sued by Hawaiʻi; lawsuit alleges keiki harmed, public mislead by social media giant

The state of Hawaiʻi is suing Bytedance Inc., parent company of social media giant TikTok.

State officials allege in a lawsuit that TikTok knowingly designed an addictive platform that harms users — particularly children — while misleading the public about the risks. 

TikTok is one of the world’s largest social media platforms, with more than 1 billion users globally and more than 150 million in the United States, including many in Hawaiʻi.

Users are central to its multibillion dollar revenue model.

The state’s complaint says TikTok has deliberately exploited its users for economic gain.

“The mental health and well-being of our keiki must come first,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green in a state release about the lawsuit. “TikTok’s design preys on their vulnerabilities, creating an environment where addiction and anxiety thrive.”

TikTok’s business model is built on compulsive use, outlines the state’s complaint, structuring the platform to keep users engaged for as long as possible.

Every additional minute generates more personal data and more advertising revenue for TikTok.

The social media giant employs what is described as “coercive design tactics,” engineered to influence the neurobiology of users — especially dopamine production — in ways similar to tactics used in the gambling industry, compelling users to spend as much time as possible on the platform.

These addictive techniques are especially harmful to children, who the state complaint alleges TikTok knows have limited ability to self-regulate their screen time.

A substantial portion of TikTok’s user base is younger than 18 years old, including many younger than 13 years old.

TikTok has twice been sued by the U.S. government for violating the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act. Despite this history, the social media platform fails to warn children, parents or the public about the potential risks and continues to misrepresent the nature and safety of its platform.

The state also alleges in its complaint that TikTok continues to maintain inadequate age verification and child protection systems.

“TikTok has long known about the mental health risks its platform poses, particularly on our children and young adults,” said Hawai’i Attorney General Anne Lopez in the state release. “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 that the necessary reforms are put in place to protect our communities from exploitation.”

The state seeks to stop TikTok from deploying harmful and deceptive practices, require meaningful safeguards for children and ensure its accurately discloses the risks associated with its platform.

“As leaders, it’s our responsibility to protect our youth from platforms that prioritize profit over their health,” the governor said. “This lawsuit is a crucial step in holding TikTok accountable for the harm it’s causing and ensuring that our children can safely navigate the digital world.”

A copy of the complaint can be found here.