Connecticut's attorney general has launched an investigation into the Kik messaging app over concerns about child safety.
Attorney General William Tong said his office is investigating whether Kik's age verification and content moderation practices put children at risk for sexual exploitation and bullying.
Tong said child safety advocates have described the app as a "predator's paradise."
"Kik is a parent's worst nightmare, a cesspool of sexual abuse, exploitation and bullying, with no meaningful age verification or barriers or protections," Tong said.
The investigation seeks information from MediaLab, the company that owns Kik, regarding the app's safety and privacy practices.
Kik allows users to exchange messages, photos and videos and participate in public and private chats.
Officials say they want answers about whether the platform is doing enough to protect young users.
The company has not publicly commented on the investigation.