TikTok, the globally popular social media platform, has recently modified its user terms amidst growing legal scrutiny. This change comes at a time when concerns about the platform’s impact on the mental health of children and adolescents are mounting.
Key Changes in User Terms
In July, TikTok altered its policy regarding how user disputes are managed. Previously, such disputes were required to be resolved through private arbitration. However, the updated terms now state that complaints must be filed in one of two California courts. This shift is notable as arbitration has traditionally been considered favorable to companies. Now, lawyers have discovered methods to make arbitration costly for companies by grouping consumers’ arbitration claims together.
Additionally, the new terms suggest that legal action must be initiated within a year of the alleged harm from using the app, a significant change from the previous terms which had no specified timeline.
Broader Legal Context
TikTok’s policy change occurs amidst a broader legal landscape where the company is facing increasing scrutiny:
- State Attorneys General Investigation: A coalition of over 40 state attorneys general, led by Tennessee and Colorado, is investigating TikTok for potentially engaging in unfair and deceptive conduct that could harm the mental health of young users.
- Federal Litigation: A federal judge in California has ruled that a case involving hundreds of lawsuits against social media companies, including TikTok, can move forward. These lawsuits are based on claims related to the apps’ features and their impact on young users.
- Meta’s Parallel Case: Similar investigations have been conducted against Meta (formerly Facebook) concerning its platforms, Instagram and Facebook, and their impact on young users. In this more advanced case, 33 attorneys general sued Meta for allegedly entrapping children and misleading users about platform safety.
Industry and Legal Experts’ Opinions
Legal experts highlight that companies have historically preferred arbitration to avoid liability in class-action lawsuits and to settle disputes privately. However, this preference is changing as arbitration can become expensive for companies if mass claims are filed.
Omri Ben-Shahar, a law professor, expressed skepticism about TikTok’s ability to defend its new terms in court, noting that simply posting new terms or emailing users about them may not be legally sufficient.
Impact on Users and Legal Actions
The term changes might make it more challenging for users to take legal action against TikTok. Kyle Roche, an attorney representing over 1,000 guardians and minors claiming harm from TikTok usage, has already challenged the updated terms, arguing that his minor clients cannot agree to these changes and intends to pursue arbitration unless amicable resolutions are found.
TikTok’s Stance
TikTok did not respond to requests for comment on the changes but has previously stated that it possesses “industry-leading safeguards for young people,” including parental controls and screen time limits.
Conclusion
TikTok’s recent policy changes reflect the growing legal pressures faced by social media companies regarding user safety and content moderation. These developments underscore the evolving landscape of digital media regulation and the increasing scrutiny of platforms’ impacts on vulnerable user groups, particularly children and adolescents. The outcome of these legal challenges and investigations could have far-reaching implications for TikTok and similar platforms.