TikTok has agreed to pay the state of Alabama at least $100 million to resolve allegations that the platform misled users about safety measures and was designed to addict children. The settlement was reached ahead of a trial originally scheduled to begin on Monday. Depending on certain conditions, the total amount TikTok may pay could rise to $300 million, according to the Alabama attorney general’s office.
As part of the agreement, TikTok will implement a two-hour daily usage limit for users under the age of 18, introduce additional parental controls, restrict overnight usage, and limit cosmetic filters. These measures aim to enhance protections for minors using the platform.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall stated that the settlement provides parents with stronger safeguards against social media addiction risks. TikTok responded by emphasizing that the settlement aligns with its ongoing efforts to improve safety tools designed to protect teenage users.
This settlement follows a separate $400 million agreement TikTok reached in August with the U.S. Department of Justice, addressing allegations of violating child privacy laws. Together, these actions reflect increased regulatory scrutiny on TikTok’s handling of youth safety and privacy.