Attorneys general want Apple, Google to raise age ratings for TikTok

By: CAPITAL DISPATCH GUEST CONTRIBUTOR - December 19, 2022 11:02 am

Attorneys general from 15 states have written the CEOs of Apple and Google urging them to update their age ratings for the social media application TikTok. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

By Louisiana Illuminator

Attorneys general from 15 states want Apple and Google to increase their age ratings for the social media application TikTok. They have sent letters to the companies’ CEOs that say states have the right to pursue legal action if age ratings for the app aren’t changed.

The Apple App Store rates TikTok for users “12+,” and the Google Play App store designates the app “T” for teen.

The letters to Apple’s Tim Cook and Google’s Sundar Pichai came from attorneys general in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

“While our investigation into TikTok continues, the evidence uncovered so far shows that the platform is not safe for minors,” Louisiana AG Jeff Landry said in a statement Friday.

“TikTok may be the most dangerous social media platform for children and engages in a race to the bottom to ensure teens become addicted and loyal to the brand,” Landry continued. “TikTok abuses our internet freedoms to stunt our children socially through 24/7 viral content filled with sex, drugs, alcohol and illegal conduct.”

The AGs’ letters call the app stores age ratings deceptive, adding that pre-teen children can lie about their age and download TikTok.

Fighting to keep Louisiana children safe!

In a pair of letters, AG Landry and 14 of his colleagues are calling on Apple and Google to correct their application store age ratings of #TikTok – helping parents protect their kids from being force-fed harmful content online. pic.twitter.com/SL1pmJU34G

— AG Jeff Landry (@AGJeffLandry) December 16, 2022

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