A-G ELLISON SUES TIKTOK

Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit today (Tuesday) against TikTok, Inc. accusing the company of violating Minnesota’s consumer protection laws and harming young users’ mental health.  The suit claims TikTok intentionally designed its platform to be addictive, exploiting young people’s developmental vulnerabilities to boost profits.  Features like TikTok LIVE and virtual currencies are cited as contributing to exploitation and excessive use.  Ellison’s office links TikTok’s rise to growing rates of depression and anxiety among Minnesota youth.  A recent survey found 54% of 11th graders felt depressed several days a week and nearly 70% reported frequent anxiety.