First US trial against TikTok to open Monday

• Alabama alleges that TikTok's Restricted Mode failed to block mature content, with test accounts posing as 13-15 year-olds receiving videos about suicide, eating disorders, alcohol and sex despite safety settings being enabled
• Meta has faced significant legal setbacks in 2026, including a $350 million verdict in New Mexico and an $18 billion settlement with U.S. states over platform design targeting children
• Alabama seeks an injunction to change TikTok's practices plus civil penalties and damages under the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act; TikTok has settled previous cases to avoid trial but argues it is protected by Section 230

Summary: First US Trial Against TikTok Opens Monday

Key Development:

TikTok faces its first US jury trial beginning Monday, September 25, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama state court. The case, expected to last 2-3 weeks, marks a significant escalation in social media litigation targeting platforms' impact on young users.

Case Details:

Alabama sued TikTok and parent company ByteDance in April 2025 under the state's Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The state narrowed its claims to focus on whether TikTok misrepresented safety features like "Restricted Mode" and "Kids Mode." Investigators created accounts posing as 13-15-year-olds and activated Restricted Mode, but allegedly received videos about suicide, eating disorders, alcohol, and sex despite TikTok's assurances of filtering mature content.

Alabama's Claims:

• TikTok falsely advertised the effectiveness of parental control tools
• The platform misled app stores about its suitability for ages 12+
• The state seeks injunctive relief, civil penalties, and damages

Industry Context:

Social media companies face mounting legal pressure. Meta has suffered costly courtroom defeats, including a New Mexico jury ordering the company to pay an undisclosed amount in March 2026, and a $6 million verdict in Los Angeles. Meta also settled a sweeping state lawsuit for $18 billion in August 2026. TikTok previously settled cases in Los Angeles and Kentucky to avoid trial.

TikTok's Defense:

The company argues for case dismissal, claiming Section 230 protections and asserting "teen safety as a key priority." TikTok's US operations transferred to American investor-led venture this year.

Market Implications:

The trial could expose internal safety practices through public documents and executive testimony, setting precedent for social media liability.