TikTok changes its User Terms to avoid Legal Actions

A recent shift in TikTok’s terms of service has raised concerns among lawyers, making it potentially more difficult to bring legal action against the social media giant.

What are the changes in the User Terms ?

1. Removal of Private Arbitration : The changes, implemented quietly this summer, remove the requirement for user disputes to be handled through private arbitration and instead mandate that complaints must be filed in one of two California courts. While arbitration has long been considered beneficial to companies, some lawyers have recently figured out how to make it costly for companies by bringing consumers’ arbitration claims en masse. So, to avoid costs TikTok has removed the requirement of Private arbitration.
2. Time limitation for legal action : Additionally, the revised terms stipulate that legal action must be initiated within a year of the alleged harm caused using the app.

How does this changes affect cases against TikTok?

These alterations come amid growing concerns raised parents, schools, and attorneys general regarding TikTok’s impact on children and the distribution of inappropriate content. However, the modified terms may pose hurdles for those seeking legal recourse against the company. Lawyers who previously found ways to make arbitration costly for companies may now need to adapt their strategies, as TikTok removes the option for private arbitration.

The timing of these changes is significant, as TikTok faces potential legal action from multiple fronts. A coalition of more than 40 state attorneys general is currently investigating the company’s treatment of young users, examining whether unfair and deceptive conduct has negatively affected the mental health of children and teenagers. If these investigations uncover evidence of wrongdoing, they could potentially lead to government and consumer lawsuits.

Furthermore, a federal judge in California recently ruled that a case involving hundreds of lawsuits on behalf of young people against major social media platforms, including TikTok, can proceed. The case focuses on product liability claims tied to certain features on these platforms.

The modifications to TikTok’s terms of service could have significant implications for any legal action brought against the company. As lawyers and authorities continue to scrutinize the platform’s practices, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the overall legal landscape surrounding TikTok and its responsibilities to its users.