Minnesota sues TikTok over addictive algorithm targeting kids

Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the company of using addictive algorithms that target young users and keep them consuming short videos.

The lawsuit, announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, claims TikTok has violated state laws on deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud.

Minnesota’s case brings the total to about 24 US states that have taken similar legal action, citing concerns over the app’s impact on youth mental health.

Many of these lawsuits stem from a 2022 nationwide investigation by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 14 states into TikTok’s effects on young users’ mental health.

Minnesota officials said the state conducted its own investigation before proceeding with its case.

🔗 Source: Associated Press

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ State coordination reveals systematic approach to tech platform regulation

Minnesota’s lawsuit represents the culmination of a coordinated multi-state effort that began in 2022 when 14 state attorneys general launched a bipartisan investigation into TikTok’s effects on youth mental health1.

The lawsuit brings the total number of states suing TikTok to approximately 24, demonstrating significant coordination among state regulators1.

This approach gained momentum after internal TikTok documents revealed the company knew users could become addicted after viewing just 260 videos, which typically occurs within 35 minutes of use2.

The documents also showed TikTok executives recognized potential harms including anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns among young users, yet continued operating without meaningful changes to protect minors2.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison specifically waited to file while conducting the state’s own independent investigation, suggesting states are building comprehensive cases rather than rushing to court1.

2️⃣ Regulatory penalties against social platforms show escalating enforcement pattern

Minnesota’s legal action follows a clear pattern of increasing regulatory scrutiny and financial penalties against social media platforms that impact children.

TikTok’s predecessor Musical.ly paid a $5.7 million FTC fine in 2019 for collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent, violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act3.