Connecticut’s Attorney General, William Tong, has initiated an investigation into MediaLab.AI Inc.’s messaging app, Kik, following concerns over inadequate age assurance practices and content moderation. This scrutiny arises from alarming assertions by child safety advocates, who have labeled Kik a “predator’s paradise.”
Concerns Over Child Safety
Attorney General Tong did not hold back in his criticism, describing Kik as “a parent’s worst nightmare—a cesspool of sexual abuse, exploitation and bullying, with no meaningful age verification or barriers or protections.” He emphasized the urgency of the investigation, demanding comprehensive answers from MediaLab regarding their troubling track record on child safety and privacy.
In his remarks, Tong drew parallels to previous actions taken against other tech giants, highlighting how he and fellow attorneys general compelled Meta to revamp its platform, resulting in a hefty .1 billion settlement for the harm caused to children. He also mentioned ongoing investigations into TikTok, YouTube, Snap, and Roblox, signaling a broader commitment to holding tech companies accountable.
Since its launch in 2010, Kik has gained traction among younger users, with over one-third of American teens reportedly using the app today, a slight decline from 40 percent in 2016. Tong pointed out that Kik lacks the technological tools necessary to monitor underage users effectively. Instead, it relies on a reactive approach to content moderation, addressing issues only after they are reported or discovered manually.
Despite repeated inquiries, MediaLab has only partially responded to concerns regarding privacy and safety. Tong’s office has now escalated the matter by issuing a new civil investigative demand, seeking detailed information and records related to MediaLab’s data processing, content moderation, and age assurance practices. This inquiry aims to determine whether these practices may constitute unfair or deceptive acts under the Connecticut Data Privacy Act and the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.
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