Sealed TikTok court documents show time limit tool effectively did nothing to reduce teen usage NPR | Technology [Video]

New York (CNN) — A screen-time limit tool on TikTok doesn’t work in limiting teen usage, the company’s own analysis reportedly found, according to in unredacted documents accidentally revealed as part of a major lawsuit.

The documents, obtained by Kentucky Public Radio (KPR) and reported in conjunction with NPR, reveal TikTok executives “speaking candidly about a host of dangers for children” on the video-sharing app, the outlets reported Friday, including time management tools that barely work to reduce time spent on the app.

One issue revolves around TikTok’s effects on teenagers scrolling on the app for several hours, which could be harmful to their mental health. Following public scrutiny about the app’s effects on vulnerable people, TikTok released time management tools for users under 18 years old. For example, if a 60-minute limit is reached, users are prompted to enter a passcode requiring them to make an active decision to extend their time on the app.

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