States probed TikTok for years. The documents the app tried to keep secret

Internal documents from TikTok reveal that the company is aware of the harmful effects its app has on children, particularly regarding addiction and mental health issues. Despite this knowledge, TikTok executives have been criticized for not taking significant action to mitigate these risks. The documents emerged during a multi-state investigation that led to lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that the app is designed to addict young users. The lawsuits highlight that TikTok's features, such as time-management tools, have minimal impact on reducing screen time. Investigators found that users can become addicted in as little as 35 minutes of use. Additionally, TikTok's algorithm has been shown to prioritize content featuring attractive individuals, which may contribute to negative body image issues among young users. The company has acknowledged the potential dangers of its platform but has focused more on maintaining user engagement rather than addressing the mental health implications. TikTok has introduced some safety features, but internal assessments suggest these measures are largely ineffective. The ongoing scrutiny from state authorities and the potential for a nationwide ban due to its ties with China add to the pressure on TikTok to improve its practices regarding child safety.

- TikTok is aware of the app's harmful effects on children but has not taken significant action to address them.

- Internal documents reveal that users can become addicted to TikTok in under 35 minutes.

- The app's algorithm promotes content featuring attractive individuals, potentially harming users' self-esteem.

- Time-management tools introduced by TikTok have minimal impact on reducing screen time.

- Ongoing lawsuits and scrutiny may lead to stricter regulations or a nationwide ban on TikTok.