- Alabama’s lawsuit alleges that TikTok's algorithm intentionally keeps minors engaged with harmful content, including material that promotes self-harm and eating disorders.
- TikTok's "Kids Mode" and "Restricted Mode" have been criticized as inadequate in protecting minors, with claims that they are easily bypassed, making them ineffective in real-world application.
- TikTok's connection to ByteDance has raised further concerns about data privacy, with accusations that personal information might be exploited by the Chinese government, potentially compromising U.S. citizens' security.
- The lawsuit against TikTok is part of a growing trend of U.S. states taking legal action against the platform over its impact on children’s mental health and data security.
In a significant move, the state of Alabama has filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, accusing the platform of targeting minors and exacerbating the mental health crisis among Alabama's youth.
The lawsuit, filed in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, seeks civil penalties under Alabama's Deceptive Trade Practices Act, along with compensatory and punitive damages. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the lawsuit, emphasizing the harm TikTok allegedly causes to children and families across the state.
Accusations of Exploitation and Harmful Content
The core of the lawsuit centers on claims that TikTok’s algorithm is specifically designed to capture the attention of minors, keeping them hooked on harmful content. Attorney General Marshall criticized the platform for feeding young users with damaging material that promotes depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and drug use, alongside dangerous viral challenges.
Marshall has been outspoken in his belief that TikTok deliberately exploits vulnerable young people by steering them toward increasingly disturbing content. He stated,
In addition to accusations of harmful content, the lawsuit highlights TikTok’s safety measures—specifically, its “Kids Mode” and “Restricted Mode”—which are meant to block inappropriate content but are allegedly easily bypassed.
These so-called safety features are described in the lawsuit as ineffective and mere marketing tools designed to deceive parents into believing the app is safe for children.
Concerns Over Data Privacy and National Security
The lawsuit also raises concerns about TikTok’s ties to ByteDance, a Chinese-based company. Marshall echoed fears voiced by U.S. lawmakers about TikTok’s data collection practices, which he claims could potentially be used for espionage. The lawsuit alleges that ByteDance’s obligations under Chinese law to share data with the Chinese government put American users at risk, particularly minors who use the app.
The connection between TikTok and ByteDance has been a point of contention for years, with critics arguing that the app could be used as a tool for collecting sensitive data on American users. This lawsuit underscores the growing anxiety around national security issues tied to foreign-owned tech platforms.
Growing Bipartisan Concerns
The lawsuit filed by Alabama follows a similar suit in 2024, where a bipartisan group of U.S. state attorneys general took legal action against TikTok for its impact on children’s mental health. This new wave of legal scrutiny against TikTok comes as the platform’s influence over younger generations continues to expand, with a large percentage of its user base being minors.
According to the lawsuit, over one-third of TikTok’s daily users in the United States are 14 or younger, a demographic TikTok allegedly targeted through its addictive algorithm. The lawsuit claims that TikTok’s ability to keep young users engaged for long periods, through content that appeals to their emotions, has had serious consequences on their mental health.
What’s Next for TikTok in Alabama?
The legal battle between Alabama and TikTok has the potential to set a precedent for other states and governments globally, as they continue to investigate TikTok’s practices surrounding user privacy and content promotion. The lawsuit seeks not only monetary compensation but also injunctive relief, meaning that Alabama wants TikTok to halt its alleged misleading practices regarding youth safety.
TikTok, which has previously faced scrutiny over similar concerns from both U.S. and international authorities, has not yet commented on the specifics of the Alabama lawsuit. However, the company has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of its users, especially minors.
The Road Ahead
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of TikTok in Alabama—and potentially in other states—remains uncertain. The app’s immense popularity among young users continues to grow, making it a central part of the digital landscape. However, with increasing regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges, TikTok’s ability to operate freely in the U.S. could be at risk.
For now, Alabama’s lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with platforms designed to capture and maintain the attention of young users, and the growing need for stricter regulations to protect children in the digital age.
Whether this lawsuit will lead to a broader regulatory crackdown or set a new legal precedent remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that TikTok's future in the U.S. is likely to face more scrutiny as states and governments push for greater accountability and transparency from the platform.
