TikTok’s Alabama deal sets teen limits—but only in one state

TikTok must change teen features in Alabama under a settlement worth at least $116.2 million to the state, with more money possible if other states reach qualifying deals.

Alabama’s court filing puts the minimum payment at $116.2 million, due within 45 days—not just the $100 million reported in some early accounts. The state could receive up to $300 million in total.¹²
The reported route to the extra $183.8 million is for enough other states to reach qualifying settlements with TikTok within a specified period. The public announcement does not spell out that period.³
The Alabama teen-safety measures include a two-hour daily limit, a midnight-to-6am block, prompts during use, a default non-personalised feed, restrictions on cosmetic filters and stronger parental controls, age checks and protections against suspicious adult contact.²³
The deal came just before the trial, scheduled for Monday, 28 September, which would have been the first state case against TikTok to reach a jury. No jury will decide the state’s claims.³⁴

The changes apply to teen users in Alabama; this settlement does not make them nationwide TikTok rules. The state’s announcement lists the measures but gives no date for when they must take effect. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office will decide how to spend the money; a senior official said it may go to the general fund, while expressing hope that some could support schools and youth services.²

The settlement gives Alabama a payment and a set of product commitments, but not a verdict on whether TikTok’s design harmed young people as the state alleged. It also leaves a practical question for families: when the controls will arrive. The signed agreement was filed in Montgomery County court on 25 September.¹³⁴

TikTok’s Alabama deal sets teen limits—but only in one state

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