Minnesota Sues TikTok Over Alleged Child Exploitation as Divestment Deadline Nears

Minnesota has joined a growing coalition of states taking legal action against TikTok, alleging the platform deliberately exploits children's developing brains through addictive features. Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a 96-page complaint accusing the company of deploying 'digital nicotine'—a sophisticated mix of algorithmic rewards and data harvesting—to keep minors engaged.

The lawsuit mirrors claims by a dozen other states and Washington D.C., asserting TikTok collects granular data on young users' locations, interests, and behaviors to fuel targeted advertising. 'Children’s neurological reward systems are being hijacked for profit,' the filing states, drawing parallels to litigation against Big Tobacco.

TikTok faces mounting U.S. regulatory pressure, including a looming federal divestment mandate. The company didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Minnesota's allegations of deceptive practices and mental health harms.