TikTok Reaches $400 M US Settlement Over Children’s Privacy

TikTok has reached a USD 400 million settlement with the US Department of Justice, ending a 2024 lawsuit alleging the company violated federal children's privacy laws. 

The DOJ said Friday that TikTok will pay USD 300 million immediately and another USD 100 million after an order vacates an earlier consent decree against its predecessor company, Musical.ly. 

"This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents," said US Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. in a statement. 

"The Department's priority is ensuring that children are protected



online and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations. This resolution secures a substantial recovery while reinforcing the protections that families expect and deserve."

Since the DOJ's lawsuit in 2024, TikTok has undergone major changes, most notably in the ownership structure of its US arm. 

In January, the social video platform company signed agreements with major investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and the Emirati investment firm MGX to form the new TikTok US joint venture. Representatives for TikTok did not immediately respond to a message for comment Friday.