TRENTON, NJ – The adminstration of Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Consumer Affairs, has filed a lawsuit against TikTok. This action follows an extensive multiyear investigation into alleged deceptive business practices by the social media platform that are reportedly harming the youth in New Jersey.
The complaint, filed temporarily under seal in the Superior Court of New Jersey, charges TikTok with multiple violations of the Consumer Fraud Act. The platform, which is owned by ByteDance Ltd., faces accusations of engaging in abusive practices that negatively impact young users’ health and safety. Similar actions are being taken by other Attorneys General across the nation.
Attorney General Platkin stated that TikTok is aware of the platform’s harmful effects on young users but chooses not to mitigate these risks. The Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Cari Fais, emphasized claims that TikTok misrepresents itself as safe while aiming to profit from turning children into social media addicts. The lawsuit aims to hold TikTok accountable and cease such exploitation.
TikTok is accused of using its “For You” recommendation system to encourage excessive use among children. The app is alleged to deceive users, the state claims.
