A landmark settlement has been reached between Alabama and TikTok, resolving claims that the platform misled parents about its child safety tools. The agreement requires TikTok to implement stricter measures, including mandatory time limits for teenage users, while also paying the state at least $100 million. The deal follows a similar arrangement struck by Meta with U.S. states and marks Alabama’s first major legal victory in ongoing lawsuits targeting social media’s impact on young users. The settlement avoids a trial that had been scheduled to address allegations of inadequate protections for minors.
Trial had been set for Monday over claims by Alabama that TikTok misled parents about tools meant to shield children from harmful contentTikTok has agreed to pay Alabama at least $100m and enact time limits and other restrictions for teenage users, avoiding a trial with a settlement that was modelled on Instagram-owner Meta’s recent agreement with US states.Alabama described it as a “first-in-the-nation settlement” with a state in the sweeping litigation over social media’s affect on teen wellbeing. Continue reading...
