In 2024, TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps around. Gen Z users especially click with it, using the platform to build followings and create viral content.

Despite TikTok's undeniable success, it hasn't managed to escape scrutiny in recent years. At the state and federal levels, some officials have raised red flags about the platform's connection to China and potential cybersecurity risks.

In 2022 and 2023, several states passed regulations that prohibit government employees from having the app on their work devices.

Unfortunately for TikTok, the company is under fire again. This time, the heat comes from the state of Iowa, which alleges that TikTok intentionally lied about the extent of graphic and suggestive content on its platform.

What to know about Iowa's lawsuit against TikTok

The Hawkeye State did not mince words in the legal proceedings filed.

Attorney General Brenna Bird contends that the popular social media app led parents and marketplaces like the App Store to believe only a modest degree of sexual material, vulgarity, suggestive/adult themes, and content about drugs and alcohol exists on the site.

The lawsuit contends that TikTok downplayed the true extent of explicit material on its platform in order to have the App Store categorize it under a 12+ rating.

AG Bird recently put out a public statement, declaring that TikTok would be rated 17+ and fail to make it on parental-controlled phones, had the platform been forthcoming about its extent of on-site adult material.

Amid accusing TikTok of "sneaking past" different parental controls on minors' phones, Iowa furthermore claimed the social media app was less than truthful about its Restricted Mode. This setting is designed to reduce access to graphic content, something which Bird maintains that TikTok fell short of accomplishing.

Back in December 2022, the platform faced similar allegations in a lawsuit from Indiana. That case fell apart in November 2023 upon a state judge's refusal to proceed with the litigation.

An alternate version of events

Suffice it to say, the response from TikTok concerning Iowa's lawsuit tells a different story. In a public statement, the social media platform alleged that "industry-leading safeguards" remain in effect to keep kids safe. The safeguards in question were cited as time limits and parental controls for underage users.

TikTok then affirmed its commitment to "community safety" and taking on "challenges" throughout the tech industry.