Alabama Sues TikTok: Exposing Kids to ‘Mindless Scroll’ & Exploitation

In a legal action, Alabama claims that TikTok, which ByteDance owns, is taking advantage of minors.

Ever since it debuted in 2016, TikTok has served as a hub for countless viral videos and trends that captivate both kids and grown-ups alike.

The business has encountered several legal issues because certain content it provides carries risks, such as the viral “blackout challenge” which has resulted in numerous fatalities throughout the years.

As reported by WHNT News19, Alabama’s Attorney General, Steve Marshall, filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance on the 29th of April.

TikTok sued by Alabama

The legal action asserts that the brief video-sharing platform is taking advantage of minors, leading them into an unhealthy addiction towards potentially harmful content. Furthermore, it accuses the company of misrepresenting the security of their service.

Through submitting the complaint, Marshall aims to make TikTok responsible for exacerbating a mental health emergency within the state.

Today, we unite with fellow concerned parents from all over our state in advocating for Alabama’s children. The app TikTok exploits young users by providing harmful and damaging content while misleading parents about its true safety. This platform was intentionally engineered to be addictive, prioritizing profits over the mental well-being of an entire generation, as stated by Steve Marshall.

As an enthusiastic advocate, I can’t help but express my concerns about TikTok’s so-called “safety features.” Frankly, I believe these features are nothing more than a clever marketing strategy to deceive parents into thinking that this platform is safe. Alabamian families deserve the unvarnished truth, and it’s our mission to ensure they receive it.

In simpler terms, Alabama’s Attorney General alleges that the design of the app’s algorithm encourages endless scrolling which may expose kids to harmful material. Furthermore, they argue that TikTok’s safety features, like Kids Mode and Restricted Mode, are not robust enough and can be easily circumvented.

On another occasion, it’s worth noting that TikTok has previously faced lawsuits initiated by several U.S. states. For instance, back in October, attorneys general from 13 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit alleging that the app incorporates elements designed to be addictive, which negatively impacts the wellbeing of children.

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2025-04-30 18:21