Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the popular video-sharing platform utilizes addictive algorithms and exploitative features that harm and take advantage of young users. The lawsuit claims that TikTok prioritizes profit over the well-being of its users, particularly children, by intentionally designing the app to be addictive.
Allegations and Concerns
The core of the lawsuit revolves around TikTok's algorithm, which is designed to keep users engaged for extended periods. Ellison argues that this algorithm, along with features like endless scrolling, push notifications, and live videos, preys on young people's neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities, leading to compulsive use and potential harm. The lawsuit also targets TikTok's live feature and virtual coins, arguing that the platform's age verification system is ineffective, allowing young users to be exploited financially.
Specific concerns raised in the lawsuit and related discussions include:
- Addictive Algorithms: TikTok's recommendation engine is designed to maximize user engagement, potentially leading to addiction, especially among young users. Studies have shown that even a short period on the app can lead to exposure to harmful content.
- Mental Health Harms: Excessive TikTok use has been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness in young people. Some studies suggest that increased social media use can double the risk of negative mental health outcomes.
- Self-Image Issues: TikTok filters can distort users' self-perception and sense of self, leading to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and low self-esteem.
- Data Collection and Privacy: TikTok collects vast amounts of user data, including location, browsing history, and even biometric data, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
- Exploitation: The platform's live-streaming feature and virtual currency system can lead to financial and sexual exploitation of young users.
Legal Basis and Relief Sought
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok is violating Minnesota's consumer protection laws, including those related to deceptive trade practices, consumer fraud, and money transmissions. Ellison is seeking to hold TikTok liable for its business practices and to protect young Minnesotans from harm. The relief sought includes:
- A declaration that TikTok's practices are deceptive, unfair, or unconscionable.
- A permanent injunction against these practices.
- Financial penalties of up to $25,000 for each instance in which a Minnesota child has accessed TikTok.
- Requirements for substantive changes in how the company operates.
TikTok's Response
TikTok has pushed back against these claims, emphasizing the safety measures it has implemented for children and parents. These include teen accounts with heightened default restrictions and a "Family Pairing" tool that allows parents to view and customize their kids' privacy settings. A company spokesperson stated that the lawsuit is based on misleading and inaccurate claims that fail to recognize the robust safety measures TikTok has voluntarily implemented to support the well-being of its community.
Broader Context
Minnesota's lawsuit is part of a growing wave of legal actions against TikTok and other social media platforms regarding their impact on young users. More than 20 states have already filed lawsuits against TikTok, raising similar concerns about addictive algorithms and mental health harms. These lawsuits often stem from a nationwide investigation launched in 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general. Attorney General Ellison had previously filed a federal lawsuit against Meta in October 2023 for similar violations through its design of Instagram and Facebook.
