Statement on Arkansas suing Meta and TikTok for Deceptive Practices

SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2023— Today, the state of Arkansas announced lawsuits against Meta and TikTok, alleging the social media platforms have deceived consumers, especially children, about the content available on their apps. Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, a kids tech advocacy organization, issued the following statement after the announcement.

"At this rate, it looks like social media platforms are going to find themselves being sued in nearly every state of our nation. They have intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive to kids and teens in order to make them a profit center for the companies. Platforms have no one to blame but themselves for the spate of legislation and litigation, whether in Arkansas, California, or elsewhere.

"For years, Common Sense Media has pointed out the online harms to kids' and teens' mental health and well-being and for years companies rejected our recommendations to make the internet healthier and safer for kids, teens and families. Now, the chickens have come home to roost.

"Companies can still take action by collecting less data on kids, stopping targeted advertising to kids, changing their algorithms and cutting off autoplay and nudges. Companies can and should take these steps voluntarily. But if they don't, policymakers and judges will force them to do it."

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About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.

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