Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit alongside 13 other states against TikTok Tuesday, alleging the social media platform of using harmful business practices that target children, teens and negatively impact their mental health.
“Our lawsuit alleges that even though they had information showing that excessive and addictive use can cause serious harm to children, TikTok intentionally designed its platform to capture as much of its users time and attention as possible,” Raoul said.
The lawsuit stems from a bipartisan nationwide investigation launched in 2022.
“We further allege that TikTok deliberately and successfully targets addictive products to minors despite knowing the potential for serious harm, sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and even suicide,” he said.
The lawsuit, joined by over a dozen other Attorneys General, claims TikTok violated consumer protection laws and is manipulating vulnerable users for profit.
“TikTok has created a product designed to maximized advertising revenue and …