Ags is looking to see if the way TikTok designs, operates, and markets its platform has a negative effect on children, teens, and young adults’ health.

Tiktok’s algorithm determines what content users see, and has proven remarkably effective at keeping users engaged on the app. The investigation will focus on’increasing young user engagement, including increasing the duration of time spent on the platform’.

Tiktok had to pay $ 5.7 million to the FTC in 2019 to settle accusations that its predecessor, musical.ly, did n’t get proper permission from the parents of young children who signed up to use the app. The settlement also required TikTok to strictly limit how users under 13 could interact with content on the app.

Tiktok spokesperson Ben rathe said the company’appreciates’ that the state attorneys general are focusing on the safety of younger users.

Social media companies like meta and Snapchat have been taking cues from TikTok’s short-form video model. The investigation could lead to other platforms receiving increased scrutiny if the investigation results in legislation or other actions.