New York alleges TikTok gave teens, children a placebo safety feature instead of a real one

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Published: 2026-10-08T15:15:27.900Z • Permanent link

Regulators in New York have taken a significant step in scrutinizing the safety features of popular social media platforms, specifically targeting TikTok's handling of minors. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, the New York State Attorney General's office has alleged that TikTok provided a placebo safety feature to some teenagers and children instead of a real one. This revelation has sparked concerns about the tech giant's compliance with data protection regulations and its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of young users.

At the center of this controversy is Shou Zi Chew, TikTok's CEO, who has been under intense scrutiny over the past year for his company's handling of user data. Chew has repeatedly assured regulators and the public that TikTok takes the safety and security of its users seriously, but the latest allegations cast doubt on these claims. According to sources, TikTok's safety feature, which is designed to detect and prevent minors from accessing explicit content, was found to be ineffective in several cases. This has led regulators to launch a full-scale investigation into TikTok's practices and policies.

New York's investigation is part of a broader effort to hold tech companies accountable for their handling of user data and to ensure that they comply with strict regulations. This comes as regulators in other countries, such as the European Union, have also taken steps to crack down on tech giants' data collection practices. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, companies like TikTok will need to adapt quickly to avoid facing significant fines and reputational damage.

The implications of this scandal extend far beyond TikTok's headquarters in China. Companies like Google DeepMind, which is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., will need to take a closer look at their own data collection practices and safety features. This is because both companies have significant investments in the social media space and have been accused of collecting user data without proper consent. As a result, affected companies will need to reassess their data protection policies and ensure that they are complying with all relevant regulations.

Regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will also need to take a closer look at their own oversight of tech companies. This is because the latest allegations suggest that TikTok's safety features were inadequate, even after being required to implement more robust measures by regulators. As a result, companies and regulators will need to work together to ensure that social media platforms are safer and more secure for users of all ages.

This scandal is part of a larger pattern of regulatory scrutiny in the tech industry. In recent years, companies like Facebook and Google have faced significant fines and reputational damage for their handling of user data. As a result, regulators have become increasingly aggressive in their pursuit of tech companies that fail to comply with data protection regulations. This is also reflected in the growing trend of tech companies investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which has raised concerns about their potential to exacerbate existing social problems.