Montana is suing TikTok for offering adult content to children and teens

HELEN, Mont. (KUMV) – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen says he is suing TikTok because it distributes harmful and addictive content to children.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, alleges that the company behind the social media app specifically targets young people with continuous videos, many of which are deemed objectionable.

“Many young Montanans are now addicted to TikTok, which is harming their well-being, development, mental and physical health. TikTok’s impact has been particularly noticeable among young women; the app has caused rampant body image issues, eating disorders, and even suicide. TikTok does not disclose any of these risks,” the lawsuit says.

Knudsen says that’s a violation of the Montana Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive practices.

“TikTok should be prosecuted for poisoning the minds of children and lying to parents about the videos their children can watch on the app. Parents need to know the truth about the content their children are accessing on the app and TikTok is sending to their channels,” Knudsen said.

The lawsuit also alleges that the app’s 12+ and T ratings for teens are misleading because it shows obscene and adult content.

The move is another attempt to ban the app, as a federal judge last year blocked a state law banning TikTok statewide.