In a recent development, a US state judge has compelled TikTok to disclose records of internal Zoom meetings as part of a multistate investigation into potential risks for young users. The court order follows revelations from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office that TikTok had a concealed archive of tens of thousands of such meetings, which could potentially aid the investigation.

Despite the company's claims of industry-leading safeguards, the investigation is intensifying, with Utah, Indiana, and Arkansas previously filing lawsuits against TikTok over concerns about the impact on children. TikTok intends to appeal the ruling as legal challenges and debates on national security concerns surrounding foreign-owned apps like TikTok continue.

Why does it matter?

While some lawmakers are pushing to ban TikTok and the debate has expanded to include concerns about the app's impact on teenagers, a recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that the percentage of US adults favouring a government ban has dropped from 50% in March to 38%. Additionally, more people are either opposed to or uncertain about a potential ban than earlier this year. This information is noteworthy as pressure mounts on social media platforms. CEOs from prominent companies such as Meta, X, TikTok, Snap, and Discord are scheduled to testify on online child sexual exploitation at a US Senate hearing on January 31. The hearing seeks to address and scrutinise the failures of these CEOs in adequately safeguarding children online.