Missouri attorney general launches investigation into TikTok’s impact on children
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has launched an investigation into TikTok to determine whether the social media platform’s practices put children at risk or mislead families about online safety.
Hanaway announced the investigation Wednesday, Oct. 14, saying her office is examining how TikTok recommends content to younger users, collects their personal information and designs features that may encourage excessive screen time.
The Attorney General’s Office has issued a civil investigative demand requiring TikTok to disclose how its algorithm selects and promotes videos to children, including how the platform uses watch times, reactions and other information to recommend content.
Investigators are also seeking information about TikTok’s efforts to attract younger users, keep them engaged and increase their activity on the platform.
The investigation will examine how TikTok collects and uses information from children younger than 13, minors younger than 18 and young adults younger than 24.
Hanaway’s office is requesting details about how TikTok verifies users’ ages, enforces safety protections and handles potentially harmful content.
The investigation will also review the company’s handling of dangerous online challenges, fake accounts and internal research involving youth mental health, problematic social media use and exposure to harmful material.
“Parents deserve the truth about how TikTok interacts with their children, how the platform identifies underage users, and what content it pushes into their feeds,” Hanaway said.
Hanaway said her office would take action if the investigation found that TikTok misled families or concealed risks to children.
TikTok must provide the requested documents and information by Nov. 13, 2026. The company could face legal penalties if it fails to comply.
The investigation does not establish that TikTok has violated Missouri law.
Missourians concerned about harmful or deceptive social media practices can file a complaint through the Attorney General’s Office at ago.mo.gov.
