Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced on March 23 that the state’s lawsuit against TikTok will move forward after a Hennepin County District Court judge denied the company’s motion to dismiss. The case alleges that TikTok’s app design is intentionally addictive for young users and includes an illegal virtual currency system linked to its livestreaming feature.
The ruling is significant as it addresses concerns about how social media platforms may impact young people in Minnesota. The state claims that certain features of TikTok exploit neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities in youth, leading to harmful and excessive use, and that the platform’s unlicensed virtual economy has resulted in instances of exploitation.
Judge Sullivan stated in the order, “Plaintiff is not seeking to impose liability for the specific content available on Defendant’s app, but how the app’s features are designed to facilitate known harm.” The court found it had jurisdiction over TikTok and rejected arguments from the company regarding protections under federal law and insufficient pleading by the state. Additionally, it ruled that no referral from Minnesota’s Commissioner of Commerce was required before enforcing money transmission laws.
Attorney General Ellison said, “TikTok has designed its product to be harmfully addictive in order to maximize its own profits. I am pleased the Court is allowing our lawsuit against TikTok to move forward, and that it rejected TikTok’s motion to dismiss in full. This ruling puts us one step closer to ensuring TikTok stops preying on Minnesota children. As long as I’m attorney general, I will protect young Minnesotans from corporations that exploit them to turn a profit.”
The state will now begin discovery proceedings with TikTok as part of ongoing efforts by Ellison’s office targeting companies accused of exploiting youth for profit. Previous actions have included lawsuits against Meta Platforms Inc., JUUL Labs Inc., Loon, and High Light Vapes; settlements with JUUL; letters warning tobacco distributors about flavored products; investigations into e-cigarette manufacturers; and reports on technology’s effects on youth well-being.
Broader implications could follow if other states pursue similar legal strategies or if courts continue scrutinizing social media companies’ responsibilities toward young users.
