Governor Cox announces lawsuit against TikTok

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced a lawsuit against TikTok on Tuesday. The lawsuit alleges that prolonged use of the platform has a negative impact on children’s mental health and well-being. 

#BREAKING @GovCox has announced a lawsuit against TikTok alleging their algorithm is designed to “spoon feed kids” highly addictive content.@kslnewsradio

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) October 10, 2023

Utah’s lawsuit alleges that the popular social media platform’s algorithm is designed to “spoon-feed” kids content that is highly addictive. 

According to a press release from Cox’s office, the state has extensively investigated the app. The lawsuit brings claims under the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act. It alleges that TikTok designed its interface with addictive features, meant to hook young users into endless scrolling. 

The lawsuit also alleges that the social media company misled users about the app’s dangers. 

“We will no longer tolerate TikTok misleading parents that its app is safe for children,” said Cox. 

Utah has the highest number of children per capita. Like many other states, it has seen a rapid increase in mental health issues among young people. That rise has coincided with TikTok’s rise, according to a press release from Cox’s office. 

The announcement comes after Cox launched a campaign warning of the impacts social media can have on the mental health of young people. 

Related reading: 

• Gov. Cox goes on national television to talk mental health, social media
• Gov. Cox signs two bills taking on social media
• Social media to blame for decline of mental health of youth, Gov Cox says