HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Attorney General William Tong has announced that Connecticut is joining a multistate investigation into the social media platform TikTok and how its algorithm negatively impacts young users.
"The investigation of TikTok will focus on what TikTok knows about its platform, its algorithm and its impact on young people, whether it knows that it causes harm to young people, the types of harms that it is aware of, and what it's doing about it," Tong said when announcing the investigation Wednesday.
Concerns have arisen about the platform due to viral challenges that have compelled kids to take reckless and dangerous actions.
For example, Tong said, the "devious lick" challenge has led to vandalism at schools, including New Britain High School, and the "slap a teacher" challenge has prompted children to physically harm school teachers.
The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General has reached out to TikTok officials to discuss these concerns since last October.
While the platform has been responsive and cooperative, Tong said this investigation is needed to establish plans to remove and keep harmful content off the app.
"Even if we accept that [TikTok officials] do a lot to try and protect users and young people from harm, even if they have robust content moderation, programs and strategies, it's not working and they have to do better," Tong said.
As this investigation gets underway parallel to ongoing investigations into Instagram and Facebook, Tong acknowledged that parents cannot do all the work at home to protect their children.
Though state officials are working to take the legislative route in addressing these issues, Tong said it's time for young people to understand that they're also responsible for taking steps in protecting themselves from harmful content on their feeds.
The state is working to set up a meeting with TikTok officials later this spring to discuss these concerns with state officials, educators and parents, Tong said.