TikTok has agreed to restrict teen usage time, ban cosmetic filters, and pay up to $300 million to settle a lawsuit in Alabama, joining major tech platforms facing mounting scrutiny over youth digital safety. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the settlement, which avoids a trial that was scheduled to begin.
Alabama Attorney General Secures Landmark Settlement
Strict Time Limits and Filter Bans Imposed on Minors
Under the terms of the agreement announced by Attorney General Steve Marshall, TikTok will implement a two-hour daily time limit for young users in Alabama. The short-video platform will also restrict platform access between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Teenagers on the app will also be prohibited from using cosmetic filters in their videos.
Bypassing Trial Over Addiction Allegations
The settlement resolves upcoming court proceedings that centered on allegations that TikTok was intentionally designed to cause addiction among children. By agreeing to the financial penalty of up to $300 million and the operational restrictions, the company bypasses the trial phase.
Industry-Wide Reckoning Over Youth Engagement
This legal resolution follows similar actions taken across the technology sector regarding youth engagement. Last month, Meta Platforms agreed to a settlement with multiple US states involving a payment of up to $18 billion alongside comparable restrictions on user accounts for minors.
Expectations Grow for Snap and YouTube Safeguards
Following the agreement with Meta and the subsequent TikTok resolution, the Facebook parent company has expressed expectations that other platforms, including Snap and YouTube, will adopt similar safeguards and usage limitations for younger demographics.
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