Hajra Naz
Minnesota filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Tuesday. The state says TikTok uses addictive algorithms. Officials accuse the app of exploiting young users. They argue it fuels a growing teen mental health crisis. The lawsuit claims TikTok hooks kids into endless scrolling. It says the company ignores the psychological harm.
At a press conference, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the case isn’t about politics or censorship but about protecting kids from corporate deception.
“This isn’t about free speech. I’m sure they’re gonna holler that,” Ellison said. “It’s about deception, manipulation, and misrepresentation. TikTok knows the dangers of its product, yet takes no real steps to mitigate the harms or warn families about the risks.”
Allegations of Deceptive Practices and Consumer Fraud
Filed in state court, the lawsuit accuses TikTok of violating Minnesota’s consumer protection laws, including statutes against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. Officials argue that TikTok’s business model is built around maximizing screen time, with design features that mirror the same techniques used in gambling and behavioral addiction.
Minnesota’s case is part of a growing wave of legal battles across the U.S. More than two dozen states have now sued TikTok, following an earlier 2022 bipartisan investigation by 14 state attorneys general into the app’s impact on youth mental health. Minnesota conducted its review before filing, saying the evidence clearly showed harmful patterns.
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Teachers, Parents, and Experts Sound the Alarm
At the announcement, Ellison was joined by Sean Padden. He is a middle school health teacher in Roseville. He said he has seen more students struggling with mental health. He linked the spike to heavy TikTok use.
Padden explained that the app is tied to depression, anxiety, irritability, and low self-esteem. He also noted shorter attention spans. He said TikTok’s design pushes instant gratification. It drives dopamine-driven behavior. This makes it hard for kids to focus or build coping skills.
Mental health experts across the country share the same concern. They warn that apps like TikTok are reshaping how kids see themselves and the world. Studies show links between screen addiction and sleep problems. They also show ties to poor grades, cyberbullying, and body image issues. Young girls are most at risk.
National Security and Data Privacy Concerns
The lawsuit also highlights national security and privacy risks. TikTok is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance. Former President Donald Trump pushed for U.S. ownership of the app. While campaigning, he vowed to ban it. Yet, he also gained more than 15 million followers on TikTok.
Today, the platform has 170 million U.S. users. Its reach is massive. That raises concerns about mental health, privacy, and foreign influence. Ellison stressed one point. No matter who owns TikTok, it must follow U.S. laws that protect consumers.
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TikTok Pushes Back
TikTok strongly denied Minnesota’s allegations. Company spokesperson Nathaniel Brown said the lawsuit misrepresents TikTok’s efforts to promote online safety.
“This lawsuit is based on misleading and inaccurate claims that ignore the robust safety measures we’ve put in place to protect our community,” Brown said. “Teen accounts on TikTok already come with 50+ safety features designed to support healthy usage.”
Brown highlighted TikTok’s Family Pairing tool, which allows parents to set screen time limits, block certain content, manage privacy settings, and even use a “time away” feature to encourage breaks from the app.
Despite these claims, critics argue that TikTok’s safeguards are reactive and optional, while the addictive algorithm at the heart of the platform continues to encourage excessive use.
Minnesota Seeks Penalties and Accountability
Minnesota’s lawsuit seeks a court declaration that TikTok’s practices are deceptive and unlawful, along with a permanent injunction to stop such practices. The state is also requesting up to $25,000 in penalties per violation, which could add up to millions of dollars, given that hundreds of thousands of Minnesota children are believed to have downloaded TikTok.
“We’re not trying to shut them down,” Ellison said. “But we are insisting that they clean up their act. There are legitimate uses for platforms like TikTok, but they must be designed responsibly and used safely.”
Bigger Picture: Social Media Under Fire
TikTok is not the only platform under fire. Minnesota and many other states have also sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. They accuse Meta of using addictive design features that harm young users. Snapchat faces similar lawsuits. Even gaming platforms like Roblox are being targeted for fueling youth addiction and mental health struggles.
This growing wave of lawsuits marks a shift. Regulators, parents, and educators are demanding stronger protections for kids. They want more transparency around algorithms. They also push for stricter rules on screen time and how these platforms shape young minds.
FAQs About TikTok Lawsuits and Youth Online Safety
1. Why are states suing TikTok?
States allege TikTok uses addictive algorithms that exploit kids, fuel mental health issues, and violate consumer protection laws.
2. What harms are linked to TikTok use among teens?
Research points to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor sleep, and shorter attention spans caused by excessive TikTok consumption.
3. What safety tools does TikTok offer?
TikTok provides Family Pairing controls, screen time limits, content filters, and privacy settings, but critics say these don’t fix the addictive design.
4. Could TikTok be banned in the U.S.?
Lawmakers have debated banning or forcing U.S. ownership due to national security and data privacy concerns, though no full ban is in place.
5. How does this affect parents and educators?
Parents are encouraged to use TikTok’s parental controls, monitor usage, and set screen time rules. Educators warn of a link between TikTok and declining classroom focus.
