image credit/Reuters
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday announced a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the video and social media giant is violating the state’s laws and “preying on Minnesota’s young people” through intentionally manipulative and deceptive practices.
“This stuff is digital nicotine,” Ellison said at a morning news conference. “Just like big tobacco designs its products to addict them, TikTok is working to create TikTok addicts, and the worst part is it’s working. TikTok is profiting, making big money and our kids are paying a heavy price.”
In addition to the allegations concerning the app’s addictiveness, Ellison’s lawsuit addresses the monetary transactions that occur within the app, which he said violate Minnesota law.
“We’re not trying to shut them down, but we are insisting that they clean up their act,” Ellison said.
TikTok has not responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
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