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States Sue TikTok, Alleging Impact on Teen Mental Health Crisis

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States Sue TikTok, Alleging Impact on Teen Mental Health Crisis

A coalition of 14 U.S. states has filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media giant of exacerbating a mental health crisis among teenagers. The bipartisan group of attorneys general claims the platform’s addictive features target young users, misleading the public about the safety of prolonged use, and contributing to negative mental health outcomes.

In the lawsuit, filed in New York, the attorneys general argue that TikTok intentionally designed features that drive compulsive use, negatively affecting millions of teens. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that TikTok’s influence has led to tragic incidents, including the death of a 15-year-old boy in Manhattan, who died while “subway surfing” after watching similar videos on TikTok.

James emphasized that many teenagers are struggling with increased anxiety, sadness, and depression, attributing some of these effects to the app’s alerts, disappearing videos, and beauty filters. These features, she said, encourage constant checking of the platform and contribute to issues surrounding body image.

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TikTok, which is already grappling with legislation that could ban it from the U.S. unless its parent company, Bytedance, sells the app, called the lawsuit “disappointing.” The platform contends that it has introduced tools to limit screen time and content exposure, but the lawsuit claims these tools are ineffective.

In addition to the mental health accusations, the lawsuit also points to TikTok’s virtual currency as running an unlicensed money transmission business in Washington D.C. The plaintiffs seek financial penalties and a court order to halt TikTok’s practices that allegedly harm teenagers.

TikTok has responded by defending its efforts to protect young users, stating, “We strongly disagree with these claims,” and reaffirming their commitment to improve the platform.

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Boeing Seeks $35 Billion as Worker Strike Enters Second Month

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Boeing Seeks $35 Billion as Worker Strike Enters Second Month

Boeing is pursuing up to $35 billion in fresh funding from investors and banks as it grapples with the costly impact of a prolonged strike involving thousands of its workers. As the walkout enters its second month, the aviation giant has announced plans to raise up to $25 billion through stock and debt offerings, alongside securing a $10 billion loan agreement with major banks to bolster its liquidity.

The strike, led by more than 30,000 Boeing workers, has already prompted the company to consider layoffs of around 17,000 employees, with redundancy notices expected in mid-November. Negotiations to end the labor dispute collapsed last week after Boeing withdrew an offer that included a 30% pay increase spread over four years.

In response to the ongoing unrest, the workers’ union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), held a rally in Seattle on Tuesday, calling for a fair resolution. Despite the tension, Boeing’s shares rose by 2.2% following the funding announcement.

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Boeing’s financial moves come on the heels of its recent announcement to cut its workforce by 10% and expectations of posting a loss in the final quarter of the year. Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su has met with representatives from both Boeing and the IAM, while top Washington state Congressional Democrats have urged both sides to intensify efforts to find a mutually beneficial solution.

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Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt Indian Airlines, Triggering Panic and Delays

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Hoax Bomb Threats Disrupt Indian Airlines, Triggering Panic and Delays

A surge of hoax bomb threats has caused chaos for Indian airlines, affecting at least 10 flights over the past 48 hours. These threats, directed at multiple airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have led to significant flight delays, diversions, and heightened security measures.

On Tuesday, Singapore’s Air Force scrambled two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express flight away from populated areas following a bomb threat. The flight, traveling from Madurai, India, to Singapore, eventually landed safely at Changi Airport. In another incident earlier that day, an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago was forced to land in Canada as a precautionary measure.

While hoax bomb threats are not uncommon in India, the sudden spike in incidents since Monday remains unexplained. Authorities, including India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, have not yet commented on the situation. In addition to Tuesday’s incidents, three international flights departing from Mumbai were disrupted on Monday due to threats posted on X (formerly Twitter), leading to the detention of a teenager in connection with the posts.

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The threats have resulted in significant disruptions, including evacuations, security sweeps, and the involvement of bomb disposal units and international security agencies. These measures, though essential for passenger safety, have incurred substantial costs for airlines and security agencies. Air India has indicated that it is cooperating with authorities and considering legal action to recover damages caused by the disruptions.

Singapore’s Defence Minister confirmed that the fighter jets escorted the Air India Express flight safely, while passengers from the Chicago-bound flight were transferred to their destination by a Canadian Air Force plane. The timeline for the clearance of the grounded Air India plane in Canada remains unclear.

The hoaxes have not only caused logistical complications but also highlighted the challenges and costs involved in responding to such threats, especially when they require international collaboration. The aviation industry is now on high alert as authorities work to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the threats.

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Disneyland Increases Ticket Prices for Peak Days and Annual Passes

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Disneyland Increases Ticket Prices for Peak Days and Annual Passes

Disneyland has announced a price increase for tickets during its busiest days, effective immediately. While the entry-level ticket will remain at $104, as it has for the past six years, other tiers based on demand will see price hikes ranging from $7 to $12, marking an increase of about 6%. The price hikes affect tickets for high-demand periods such as holidays and school vacations.

In addition to single-day tickets, the cost of Disneyland’s Magic Key annual passes will rise by between $100 and $125, depending on the tier, with increases ranging from 6% to 20%. The new prices include $599 for the Imagine pass, $974 for the Enchant pass, $1,374 for the Believe pass, and $1,749 for the Inspire pass.

Despite the increases, Disneyland is offering discounted options for visitors during off-peak times. A $50 children’s ticket offer will be available starting on October 22 for use beginning January 7. Additionally, a promotion allows a family of four to visit the park for $308 in January or February—two $104 adult tickets and two $50 children’s tickets.

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Jessica Good, a Disneyland Resort spokesperson, emphasized that Disney continues to provide a wide range of ticketing, dining, and accommodation options, along with promotional offers throughout the year, aiming to make the park accessible to as many families as possible.

The tiered ticket system, similar to pricing models in the airline and hotel industries, is designed to balance demand throughout the year. Tickets in the highest demand Tier 6, for holidays like Christmas and Halloween, will increase to $206 per ticket.

While the cost of Disney’s theme park experiences has drawn criticism from some consumers, the company maintains its commitment to offering budget-friendly options for guests who visit during less busy periods.

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