online video platform
US investigation: What dangers does Tiktok pose to children?
Tiktok has been criticized for allegedly having negative effects on physical health. Photo: Kiichiro Sato/AP/dpa
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How dangerous is Tiktok for children and young people? And: Is the online video platform aware of possible risks and maybe even using them to advantage? Investigations are ongoing in the United States.
The online video platform Tiktok has been targeted by a group of US states because of possible endangerment of young users.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said a nationwide investigation should clarify whether Tiktok poses any risks to children, teenagers and young adults. Tiktok initially did not comment.
The investigation is also intended to examine whether Tiktok was aware of potential risks for young people and possibly increased them in a targeted manner. As examples, Healey cites methods and techniques for increasing the engagement and time that younger users spend on the platform.
Healey speaks for an alliance of 44 US Attorney Generals, which had already successfully pressured the Facebook parent company Meta in May 2021 to bury plans for an Instagram version for children. Nonetheless, Allianz launched an investigation into Meta in November last year.
There has long been criticism of online networks such as Instagram and Tiktok for a lack of child and youth protection and alleged negative effects on the physical health of younger people. The question is always whether companies are doing enough to prevent bullying or content that is not age-appropriate.