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States Sue TikTok, Claiming Its Platform Is Addictive And Harms The Mental Health Of Children

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More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia filed complaints against TikTok on Tuesday, claiming that the popular short-form video app is damaging teenage mental health by creating its platform to be addicting to children.

The cases originate from a national TikTok investigation begun in March 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, including New York, California, Kentucky, and New Jersey. All of the allegations were filed in state court.

At the center of each case is the TikTok algorithm, which determines what users view on the site by populating the app’s primary “For You” stream with content suited to their preferences. The claims also highlight design aspects that they claim cause children to become addicted to the platform, such as the ability to browse endlessly through information, push alerts with built-in “buzzes,” and face filters that create unrealistic appearances for users.

States Sue TikTok, Claiming Its Platform Is Addictive And Harms The Mental Health Of Children

In its pleadings, the District of Columbia referred to the algorithm as “dopamine-inducing,” and claimed it was designed to be purposely addictive so that the corporation could ensnare many young people into excessive use and keep them on its app for hours on end. TikTok engages in these actions while knowing that they will cause “profound psychological and physiological harms,” including anxiety, sadness, body dysmorphia, and other long-term issues, according to the lawsuit.

“It is profiting from the fact that it is addicting young people to its platform,” District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated in an interview.

“We strongly disagree with many of these allegations, which we believe are false and misleading. In response to the lawsuits, TikTok spokesman Alex Haurek stated, “We are proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we’ve done to protect teens, and we will continue to update and improve our product.” “We’ve endeavored to work with the Attorneys General for over two years, and it is incredibly disappointing they have taken this step rather than work with us on constructive solutions to industrywide challenges.”

The social networking company does not let minors under the age of 13 sign up for its main service, and some content is restricted to anyone under the age of 18. Despite the company’s assertions that its platform is safe for children, Washington and several other states stated in their petition that children may simply bypass those limits, allowing them to access the services that adults use.

“TikTok claims to be safe for young people, however this is far from accurate. In New York and across the country, young people have died or been injured while participating in deadly TikTok challenges, and many more are feeling sad, frightened, and depressed as a result of TikTok’s addictive elements,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

Their complaint also targets other aspects of the company’s business.

The district claims TikTok is functioning as a “unlicensed virtual economy” by allowing users to buy TikTok Coins, a virtual currency within the platform, and send “Gifts” to TikTok LIVE streamers, who can then cash out for real money. TikTok charges a 50% commission on these financial transactions but has not registered as a money transmitter with the United States Treasury Department or district authorities, according to the complaint.

Officials claim that minors are routinely exploited for sexually explicit content via TikTok’s LIVE streaming feature, which has enabled the app to function essentially as a “virtual strip club” with no age limitations. They argue that the cut the corporation receives from financial transactions allows it to benefit from exploitation.

The 14 attorneys general say their lawsuits aim to stop TikTok from employing these features, impose financial penalties for suspected illegal actions, and recover damages for aggrieved users.

Many states have filed lawsuits against TikTok and other internet companies in recent years, as concern rises over prominent social media platforms and their ever-increasing impact on young people’s lives. In some cases, the challenges were coordinated in a manner similar to how states had organized against the tobacco and pharmaceutical companies.

States Sue TikTok, Claiming Its Platform Is Addictive And Harms The Mental Health Of Children

Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the firm shared and sold children’s personal information in violation of a new state law that bars such operations. TikTok, which denies the charges, is simultaneously battling a similar data-related federal case launched in August by the Department of Justice.

Several Republican-led states, including Nebraska, Kansas, New Hampshire, Kansas, Iowa, and Arkansas, have previously sued the company, some unsuccessfully, over claims that it harms children’s mental health, exposes them to “inappropriate” content, or allows young people to be sexually exploited on its platform. Arkansas has filed a lawsuit against YouTube and Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which is being sued by dozens of states on allegations that it is damaging young people’s mental health. New York City and certain public school districts have filed their own cases.

TikTok, in particular, is encountering additional hurdles at the national level. According to a federal rule that went into force earlier this year, TikTok might be outlawed in the United States by mid-January if its Chinese parent firm ByteDance does not sell the site by that time.

TikTok and ByteDance are both appealing the statute in Washington’s appeals court. A panel of three justices heard oral arguments in the case last month and is anticipated to announce a decision that might be appealed to the US Supreme Court.

SOURCE | AP

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

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Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

sonic the hedgehog 4

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union
Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

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(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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