TikTok has agreed to pay the state of Alabama at least $100 million and implement a series of strict restrictions for teenage users to avoid a high-risk public trial. This move follows a wave of historic legal settlements and similar agreements between tech giants like Meta and various US state authorities.
Background and Nature of the Lawsuit
In April 2025, the state of Alabama filed an official lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, alleging that the app was intentionally designed to foster severe psychological addiction among young users. The legal proceedings were set to focus on deceptive trade practices regarding TikTok's misleading claims about safety features like "Restricted Mode" and "Parental Controls".
New Restrictions for Minor Users
Under the terms of the settlement, the platform is introducing several strict safety measures. A maximum daily usage limit of 2 hours is set for minors. Access will be restricted from midnight to 6:00 AM, and push notifications will be paused during school hours. Additionally, nighttime restrictions may extend from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM if competing platforms follow suit. Age verification will be enhanced, beauty filters banned for minors, and a non-personalized feed offered.
Financial Details and Industry Implications
The baseline payment to Alabama is $100 million, which could increase to $300 million if other US states join the agreement. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall welcomed the outcome as a major win for parents. Experts note that the TikTok settlement reflects a broader national crackdown on social media companies over harm caused to young users.
