New York accuses TikTok of serving users ‘placebo’ safety features
The Verge Stevie Bonifield
New York alleges TikTok gave thousands of users, including kids and teens, non-working (“ghost”) versions of safety features without their knowledge. The updated filing is tied to New York’s 2024 lawsuit against TikTok. If proven, the case could strengthen claims that TikTok’s safety controls and access to tools like resetting the algorithm were intentionally limited.
Why it matters
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." According […]
