A “Trojan horse” in China: the US state of Indiana is suing TikTok
TikTok is once again struggling with headwinds in the USA. While some states are banning the app on government devices, Indiana has filed a lawsuit.
For TikTok, things are probably anything but rosy in the USA right now. Because on the one hand, negotiations between the platform and the Biden administration on national security have stalled this week, as the Wall Street Journal reported earlier in the week.
On the other hand, the popular short video app has gotten into trouble in the US state of Indiana. Because like them New York Times first reportedthe US state attorney general filed two lawsuits against TikTok on Wednesday.
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Indiana is suing TikTok
The Indiana Attorney General brings two allegations against the app. For one, the app aims to mislead its users about its connections to the Chinese government. On the other hand, the app shows underage users inappropriate content.
Attorney General calls for more child and youth protection
the first complaint of the Attorney General from Indiana refers to the protection of children and young people in the app. Accordingly, TikTok is a Chinese Trojan horse “that was unleashed on unsuspecting American consumers”.
The app is used by several million minors who, thanks to the platform’s algorithm, are “constantly confronted with inappropriate content”.
The TikTok algorithm offers a wealth of content depicting alcohol, tobacco and drugs, sexual content, nudity and suggestive topics, and intense profanity.
The content would be played on the app regardless of the age of the users. That is why they are also accessible to children from the age of 13.
Attorney General criticizes ties to Chinese government
In its second lawsuit Attorney General Todd Rokita denounces that the app is Chinese-owned.
Because TikTok and the associated algorithm would be subject to Chinese law as part of the ByteDance company. This included laws that “prescribe secret cooperation with the Chinese secret service”.
With these two lawsuits, we hope to compel TikTok to stop its false, deceptive, and deceptive practices that violate Indiana law.
Company spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter wanted to comment on the ongoing proceedings noisy The Verge not express. However, “the security, privacy and security of our community is our top priority” of the platform.
First US states ban the app on government devices
Meanwhile, the popular app had to deal with more bad news this week. Because in the US states of Maryland, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas, TikTok can be used even more on government devices.
The Republican governors in power in the states have banned the use of the app on government devices. This puts these states alongside the US Army, Navy and the Departments of Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs.
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