TikTok has agreed to pay at least $100 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the US state of Alabama over the safety and well-being of children and teenagers on the platform.
The settlement was reached shortly before the case was scheduled to go to trial. Under the agreement, TikTok will also introduce a range of additional safety measures for teenage users in Alabama.
Alabama sued TikTok in 2025, alleging that the platform’s design and features could negatively affect the mental well-being of children and adolescents. The lawsuit accused TikTok of using potentially addictive features, including algorithms that recommend content based on users’ interests, while allegedly knowing about the risks.
Under the settlement, Alabama will receive at least $100 million, with the amount potentially rising to $300 million if certain conditions are met.
New restrictions for teenagers
As part of the agreement, teenage users in Alabama will be given the option of using a feed that is not personalized according to their individual preferences.
TikTok will also prohibit beauty-enhancing filters and cosmetic-related effects for teenage users. Their daily use will be limited to two hours, while access to the platform will be restricted between midnight and 6 a.m.
Teenagers will receive prompts encouraging them to take a “productive break” after 15 minutes of continuous use. Similar reminders will be issued after 60 and 90 minutes of use.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said the settlement would give parents greater protection and more control over their children’s use of social media, including what content they see and how long they can use the platform.
TikTok will pay the $100 million as part of compensation and corrective measures. The funds could be used for mental health services and other programs benefiting children and adolescents.
The state could receive an additional $183.8 million if a sufficient number of other states reach qualifying settlements with TikTok within a specified period.
Kathryn Robertson, chief counsel in the Alabama attorney general’s office, said parents were having to take action against multiple social media platforms to protect children from addictive use. She also alleged that TikTok and other platforms influence how children use their products in ways that can encourage excessive engagement.
A spokesperson for TikTok’s US joint venture said protecting teenagers remained a priority for the company. The spokesperson also reaffirmed TikTok’s commitment to providing a safer environment where users can express their creativity, discover content they enjoy and connect with their communities.
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