TikTok executives know about app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege : Consider This from NPR

Unredacted documents show TikTok is aware of the dangers caused by its app.

ANTONIN UTZ/AFP via Getty Images

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ANTONIN UTZ/AFP via Getty Images

Unredacted documents show TikTok is aware of the dangers caused by its app.

ANTONIN UTZ/AFP via Getty Images

For the first time, internal TikTok communications have been made public that show a company unconcerned with the harms the app poses for American teenagers. This is despite its own research validating many child safety concerns.

The confidential material was part of a more than two-year investigation into TikTok by 14 attorneys general that led to state officials suing the company on Tuesday.

The lawsuit against the popular video sharing platform claims it was designed to keep young people hooked on the service. Documents uncovered by Kentucky Public Radio show that the company’s internal research may help support this accusation.

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This episode was produced by Marc Rivers and Elena Burnett.

It was edited by Courtney Dorning, Patrick Jarenwattananon, Larry Kaplow and Kara Platoni. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.