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New York alleges TikTok gave thousands of minors placebo safety features in experiment

Updated lawsuit claims children and teens unknowingly received non-functional versions of safety tools

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
New York state has accused TikTok of conducting an experiment in which thousands of users, including children and teenagers, were unknowingly given non-working ‘ghost’ versions of safety features, according to an updated, sealed version of the state's 2024 lawsuit that was later ordered unsealed by a judge.

The new allegations, reported by Reuters and covered by The Verge, claim that TikTok's experiment effectively blocked some users from accessing features such as an option to reset their algorithm -- a tool that can help users avoid harmful content in their feeds. Users in the experiment believed they had activated the safety features but did not, according to the lawsuit.

The allegations are part of an expanded version of New York's 2024 lawsuit against TikTok, which originally focused on the platform's design and its alleged harms to children's mental health. The updated complaint was initially filed under seal but a judge later ordered it unsealed.

TikTok has not publicly responded to the specific allegations reported in the updated lawsuit.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The allegation involves minors who may have been exposed to harmful content under the false impression they had activated safety protections.
  • The case raises broader questions about user consent and the ethics of A/B testing safety features without informing users.
  • A finding against TikTok could set a legal precedent for how platforms must disclose experiments affecting child safety.

Background

New York's lawsuit against TikTok was filed in 2024, alleging that the platform deliberately designed features to addict young users and harm their mental health. The state has since sought to add claims of deceptive practices. TikTok has previously denied similar allegations and argued it provides robust safety tools. The latest accusation centers on an experiment that allegedly gave some users placebo versions of features like the algorithm reset option.

Key Perspectives

[New York Attorney General's office]: Alleging that TikTok knowingly gave minors ineffective safety tools, misleading users into believing they were protected. [TikTok]: No public statement yet on these specific claims; the company has historically defended its safety measures and denied wrongdoing in other lawsuits. [Critics/Skeptics]: Some consumer advocates may argue that if proven, such experiments could represent a breach of trust and violate state consumer protection laws.

What to Watch

  • Further court orders unsealing additional details of the experiment.
  • TikTok's formal legal response to the updated complaint.
  • Potential interest from other state attorneys general or federal regulators.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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