What Platform Changes Did TikTok Agree to in Its $100 Million Settlement With Alabama?
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Last week, TikTok agreed to a landmark $100 million settlement with the state of Alabama. That deal resolved a lawsuit that had been set to go to trial this week over claims that the popular social media platform was designed to addict its users and caused serious mental health harms.
In addition to the payout, which is due to Alabama within 45 days, TikTok also agreed to make several significant platform changes for users in the state.
More updates could be coming nationally.
TikTok to Implement Time Limits, Age Verification and Content Interruptions for Teens
Most of TikTok’s platform changes are aimed at protecting the mental health of its youngest users. One of the most significant updates is a two-hour daily time limit for children. Parental controls will also allow further time restrictions.
TikTok’s endless feed allows users to continuously swipe through videos and ingest new content for as long as they wish. This hallmark pattern is also at the heart of lawsuits claiming the app is addictive.
Now, Alabama teens will receive notifications that interrupt their scrolling after 15, 60 and 90 minutes of continuous use.
Restrictions will also be implemented to limit messaging and push notifications overnight and during school hours.
In another major development, teen users will be banned from using cosmetic filters. Lawsuits have argued that this popular feature, which is also common on Snapchat and Instagram, has led to body dysmorphia and fueled eating disorders in children and teens.
Other changes include:
- Improved parental controls
- The option for a non-personalized feed
- Stronger content moderation provisions
Will TikTok Make Platform Safety Changes in Other States?
So far, TikTok has only agreed to implement these safety changes in Alabama. The app will remain in its current state across the rest of the country for now.
However, the company is still facing similar lawsuits in several other states. It could agree to more settlements down the road as this litigation progresses.
Meta also set the stage for a national settlement when it agreed to a multibillion-dollar deal last month to resolve similar lawsuits brought by a group of states.
The company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, agreed to similar platform concessions meant to better protect teens and children, which will be rolled out nationwide.
TikTok, Meta, Snapchat and YouTube also continue to face thousands of social media addiction lawsuits brought by individual families over claims that their platforms addict users.