TikTok, the globally popular social media app owned by China-based ByteDance, is facing multiple significant lawsuits in 2025 related to data security, user addiction, mental health impacts, and allegations of exploitation. These lawsuits reflect growing concerns across U.S. states and federal agencies over TikTok’s influence on youth, privacy practices, and national security risks associated with foreign-owned technology platforms.
Key Legal Challenges and Lawsuits
Minnesota Attorney General’s Lawsuit (August 2025)
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a landmark lawsuit against TikTok in August 2025, accusing the platform of creating a “habitual dependence” among young users through manipulative algorithms designed to maximize engagement and profit. The suit claims TikTok exploited children via “TikTok LIVE,” an interactive livestream feature monetized through virtual currency that resulted in documented sexual and financial exploitation of minors.
The complaint alleges violations of Minnesota’s consumer protection laws, deceptive business practices, and operation of an illegal money transmission system. It seeks to impose penalties, enforce injunctive relief banning predatory features, and compel TikTok to implement meaningful reforms to protect minors.
Federal and Multi-State Litigation
In addition to Minnesota’s suit, over a dozen U.S. states previously filed a combined lawsuit alleging similar harms relating to TikTok’s addictive design and insufficient safeguards for minors. These lawsuits emphasize TikTok’s responsibility for increasing rates of adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation linked to prolonged usage.
Courts in New York, Illinois, and North Carolina have rejected TikTok’s motions to dismiss these lawsuits, allowing cases to proceed toward discovery and potential trial.
U.S. Supreme Court Case: TikTok v. Garland
The U.S. Supreme Court in early 2025 ruled on TikTok v. Garland, affirming the constitutionality of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversaries Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which requires TikTok’s parent ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations due to national security concerns. This decision underscores ongoing federal distrust of TikTok’s data handling and foreign influence risks.
Allegations in Detail
- Addictive Algorithm: TikTok is accused of intentionally engineering its recommendation engine to optimize user engagement at the expense of mental health, particularly targeting vulnerable youth.
- Exploitation of Youth: Through TikTok LIVE and virtual gifting, minors have been subjected to sexual exploitation and encouraged to spend money within the app.
- Misleading Safety Claims: TikTok allegedly downplayed the risks of its addictive features and the ability of minors to bypass age restrictions.
- Data Privacy Concerns: The platform is scrutinized for collecting excessive personal data and failing to protect it adequately, raising privacy breach risks.
Corporate Responses and Counterarguments
TikTok asserts that it has implemented over 50 features aimed at promoting safe self-expression and mitigating risks for users under 18, including the Family Pairing tool, screen time controls, content filters, and moderation policies. The company disputes allegations, describing lawsuits as misleading and not reflective of its extensive safety investments.
TikTok also emphasizes ongoing cooperation with regulators and pledges to improve transparency and user protection.
Consumer and Societal Impact
Concerns about TikTok’s impact on adolescent mental health are supported by independent studies linking increased social media use to depression and suicidal ideation. The app’s pervasive influence among youth has raised alarms among parents, educators, and health professionals.
The lawsuits seek to hold TikTok accountable and stimulate industry-wide reforms emphasizing ethical algorithm design and stronger age verification.
Looking Forward: Legal and Regulatory Landscape
As litigation unfolds through 2025 and beyond, courts will weigh complex issues involving free speech, corporate liability, and technology regulation. The cases are likely to influence emerging policies on digital addiction, children’s online privacy, and foreign ownership of critical tech platforms.
TikTok’s ownership structure and data handling practices remain central to national security debates and legislative reforms.
Conclusion
The TikTok lawsuits in 2025 exemplify multifaceted challenges at the intersection of technology, privacy, public health, and law. Stakeholders including users, regulators, and companies must navigate evolving expectations around platform responsibility and user wellbeing.
The outcomes of these lawsuits will shape future social media governance and potentially establish new standards for protecting vulnerable populations online without stifling innovation or free expression.
