Parents allege tiktok’s algorithm exposes children to disturbing content, launch mass lawsuit

TikTok, the widely popular social media platform, is facing a legal storm as over 5,000 parents join forces to file a lawsuit against the app, claiming it is endangering America’s youth. The legal action is spearheaded by ClaimsHero, a company focused on assisting individuals in managing claims during the arbitration process.

The lawsuit highlights concerns that TikTok’s algorithm functions as a detrimental force, exposing young users, some as young as 12 years old, to explicit, violent, and even suicidal content. ClaimsHero, not providing legal services but aiding individuals in communicating with lawyers, aims to represent parents throughout the litigation process, alleviating the burden on them. The company also suggests that parents who join the lawsuit and emerge victorious may be eligible for a cash award of up to $10,000.

Brittany Edwards, one of the parents involved in the legal action, recounted a distressing incident where her 12-year-old daughter posted a TikTok expressing suicidal thoughts. Edwards, like many others, believes that the app has a negative influence on young minds.

ClaimsHero Founder Kelvin Goode emphasized the urgency of taking action against TikTok, citing a recent amendment to the app’s user agreement. TikTok quietly introduced a provision in July 2023, requiring parents to file a claim within a year of their child creating an account or forfeit the opportunity to pursue damages indefinitely.

The collective legal effort aims to hold TikTok accountable and prompt the platform to assume greater responsibility for the content accessible to its young user base. The lawsuit comes at a time when concerns about the impact of social media on mental health and well-being, particularly among the youth, are under heightened scrutiny.

As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, and TikTok has yet to respond to the mounting allegations.