AG Lopez announced a lawsuit against Bytedance Inc., the parent company of TikTok, alleging that the social media giant knowingly designed an addictive platform that harms users, particularly children, while misleading the public about the risks. TikTok operates one of the world’s largest social media platforms, with more than one billion users globally and over 150 million in the United States, including many in Hawaiʻi. These users, especially children, are central to TikTok’s multibillion dollar revenue model. According to the state’s complaint, TikTok has deliberately exploited them for economic gain.

“TikTok has long known about the mental health risks its platform poses, particularly on our children and young adults. At the heart of this lawsuit is a deep concern for the safety and well-being of our community. We must stand up for our families and ensure that the necessary reforms are put in place to protect our communities from exploitation." – AG Lopez