Alabama AG Files Lawsuit Against TikTok for Targeting Teens

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed a lawsuit against TikTok Inc. and its parent company, ByteDance Inc. in Montgomery County. We are proud to represent the state alongside Prince Glover Hays in this important litigation. Together, we are advocating for a safer online environment for every child in Alabama. This lawsuit is not just about holding TikTok accountable; it is about ensuring that digital platforms prioritize user safety and deliver responsible content.

The Allegations

The lawsuit accuses TikTok of exploiting children by addicting them to harmful content and deceiving parents about the safety of its platform.

• The Harmful Algorithm – The lawsuit shows that TikTok’s algorithm is built to grab users’ attention, leading to addictive behavior similar to gambling. This keeps young people on the app longer and generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. Even though TikTok claims to be safe for teens and preteens, the algorithm often exposes kids to harmful content, including topics related to alcohol, drugs, sexual behavior, and eating disorders.
• Ineffective Safety Measures – TikTok’s safety features, like “Kids Mode” and “Restricted Mode,” have been criticized for not working well and being easy to get around, which leaves children at risk. The lawsuit points out that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, offers better protections for kids in China, such as limiting screen time and controlling access to live content.

Actions and Objectives

The State of Alabama is seeking both a temporary and permanent order to stop TikTok from making misleading and false claims about its app, the effectiveness of its Restricted Mode, and its Community Guidelines.

The state is also seeking money for damages caused by TikTok’s carelessness and harmful actions. The goal of the lawsuit is to impose penalties and get a court order that makes sure TikTok stops its misleading practices related to the safety of young users.

Safeguarding Youth

The lawsuit against TikTok is an important step in protecting young people in Alabama from harmful and addictive content. Since many teens use social media, these platforms need to take responsibility for keeping users safe. Sadly, the impact on young people’s mental health has often been ignored.

We are committed to holding not only TikTok, but all social media companies responsible for the well-being of our youth and future generations. As we continue this legal battle, we will keep pushing to make sure these companies are held accountable for their actions.

The State is represented by Rhon Jones, Matt Griffith, Jeff Price, Elliot Bienenfeld, Connor Chase and Will Jones of Beasley Allen; Attorney General Steve Marshall, Katherine Robertson, Brad Chynoweth, Michael Dean and Lindsay Barton of the Alabama Office of the Attorney General; Josh Hayes, Matt Glover and Blake Williams of Prince Glover Hayes.