Leaked TikTok Court Docs Reveal Time Limit Tool Failed to Curb Teen Usage

TikTok’s screen-time limit tool for teenagers is reportedly ineffective in reducing app usage, according to the company’s own internal analysis, as revealed by unredacted documents accidentally disclosed in a major lawsuit. These documents, obtained by Kentucky Public Radio (KPR) and shared with NPR, show that TikTok executives were aware of the tool’s ineffectiveness in managing the time teens spend on the app. Instead of addressing the problem, the company focused more on boosting public trust through media coverage, rather than genuinely reducing screen time.

The concern centers around TikTok’s impact on teenagers who spend hours scrolling, which may harm their mental health. In response to rising public criticism, TikTok introduced time management features for users under 18. For example, after reaching a 60-minute limit, users are prompted to enter a passcode, requiring a deliberate choice to continue using the app.

However, the internal documents reveal that TikTok executives did not prioritize reducing screen time. A project manager stated that the “goal is not to reduce time spent,” while another employee mentioned that the objective was to increase daily active users (DAUs) and retention. The tool only led to a minimal decrease of 1.5 minutes in daily usage, and TikTok did not attempt to resolve this issue, according to a lawsuit filed by 14 state attorneys general earlier this week.

TikTok has also released videos encouraging users to take breaks, but an internal executive admitted these measures were more useful as talking points with lawmakers than as effective tools for reducing usage.

In response to these claims, a TikTok spokesperson told CNN that the lawsuit misrepresents the company’s commitment to community safety, pointing to safeguards like screen time limits, family pairing features, and default privacy settings for users under 16.

Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of 14 state attorneys general filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the platform of harming young people’s mental health by “addicting” them. They criticized elements like TikTok’s endless content feed, viral challenge videos that sometimes promote risky behavior, and late-night push notifications that can disrupt sleep.

The revelations from NPR and KPR followed an accidental filing of unredacted documents by the Kentucky Attorney General’s office. A state judge later sealed the complaint to protect confidential information.

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek defended the platform, stating that the company remains committed to protecting teens and continuously improving safety features. He emphasized that TikTok disagrees with the claims in the lawsuit, which the company considers misleading.