New York accuses TikTok of serving users ‘placebo’ safety features
New York state has alleged in a lawsuit that TikTok misled users by providing 'placebo' safety features that did not actually function as described. The claims suggest the company ran experiments that blocked users from accessing tools intended to control their algorithmic feeds.
Why it matters
The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over how social media platforms manage user data and algorithmic transparency, particularly regarding minors.
New York is alleging that thousands of TikTok users, including kids and teens, were unknowingly given “ghost” versions of the platform’s safety features rather than the working versions. Reuters reports the allegation is part of an “updated, sealed version” of New York’s 2024 lawsuit against TikTok, which was “later ordered unsealed by a judge.”
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