Listen to the article 2 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback . TikTok has agreed to a new set of operating rules for teen users in Alabama, as part of a $100 million legal settlement to avoid a trial over teen harms caused by the app.
As reported by Quartz , the trial, which was scheduled to begin this week, saw TikTok accused of designing addictive app features, including its engagement-optimizing algorithm that keeps users glued to the TikTok feed.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that TikTok's design made it more habit-forming than other social media apps, while its algorithm steered minors toward violent and self-harm-related content in ways that can worsen teen mental health.
The trial was originally expected to run for two to three weeks, and include expert testimony to prove the case. But as reported by The Guardian , just before the weekend, TikTok agreed to settle the case, which will also see the platform implement a range of new elements to align with the Alabama attorney general’s requests.
Among those measures, TikTok will:
Implement a two-hour daily time limit for teens Restrict app access for teen users between midni...