13 states are suing TikTok saying its digital nicotine [Video]

Attorneys general for 13 states and the District of Columbia have announced this week that they would be filing a general lawsuit against the social media platform TikTok over allegations that its “addictive” content harms teen health.

The filing alleges that TikTok has been deceiving users through its claims that it is safe for children despite its features being addictive. It is also accused of operating an unlicensed money transmission business.

Among the states included in the filing are New York, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington.

Brian Schwalb, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia, told CNBC that the lawsuit is about accountability.

The suit alleges that there are numerous “profound” mental health risks, including depression, anxiety, sleep loss, and body dysmorphia, to those using the app, especially teens and children who have compulsive TikTok use.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta highlighted in a statement to Reutersthat the company …