FILE PHOTO: TikTok app logo is seen in this illustration taken, August 22, 2022.
A judge this week rejected TikTok's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit by the state of New Hampshire accusing it of using manipulative design features aimed at children and teens.
"The Court's decision is an important step toward holding TikTok accountable for unlawful practices that put children at risk," state Attorney General John Formella said in a statement Friday.
In his ruling Tuesday, New Hampshire Superior Court Judge John Kissinger Jr. said that the state's allegations were valid and specific enough to proceed, writing the civil claims were "based on the App's alleged defective and dangerous features" and not the content in the app.
The state alleges that social media platform TikTok is intentionally designed to be addictive and aims to exploit its young user base.
The suit accuses the platform of implementing "addictive design features" meant to keep children engaged longer, increasing their exposure to advertisements and prompting purchases through TikTok's e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop.
CNBC has reached out to TikTok for comment.
The case is the latest example of attorneys general targeting design elements and safety policies from tech companies instead of the content on the platforms, which is created by other users.