Viral Trend, Legal Minefield: How the TikTok Algorithm Lawsuits Are Reshaping Civil Litigation

By Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys

The courtroom and the algorithm may seem like worlds apart — one rooted in precedent, the other in code. Yet, in 2025, they’ve collided in a series of lawsuits against TikTok that are forcing judges, lawyers, and everyday businesses to rethink what accountability looks like in the digital age.

From claims of psychological harm to accusations that the platform’s addictive design targets vulnerable users, the TikTok litigation wave is more than a tech story — it’s a case study in how modern litigation is evolving.

The TikTok Lawsuits at a Glance

TikTok, owned by ByteDance, is facing mounting legal pressure in both state and federal courts. Parents, educators, and even state attorneys general have filed suits claiming that the platform’s algorithm exploits user behavior — particularly among minors — by promoting content linked to anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders.

While these cases are still in early stages, they highlight a growing trend: litigation centered on algorithmic conduct. Plaintiffs are arguing that digital platforms, much like corporations in traditional industries, should be held accountable for negligent design and foreseeable harm caused by their products.

This shift marks a new frontier — one where technology meets tort law, and where businesses of all sizes should take notice.

Algorithmic Accountability and Discovery Challenges

What makes these lawsuits especially groundbreaking is their focus on discovery. For decades, litigation has centered on documents, emails, and contracts. Now, plaintiffs’ lawyers are seeking data — complex digital code and behavioral analytics that show how algorithms make decisions.

Courts are beginning to recognize that an algorithm can be a “witness” of sorts, revealing what a company knew (or should have known) about user risks. This raises major challenges for businesses:

• How do you preserve, disclose, or protect proprietary code during litigation?

• What happens when your company’s digital systems or AI tools are blamed for a decision?

• How should your attorneys navigate trade-secret protections while complying with discovery obligations?

These are no longer questions reserved for Silicon Valley. They’re questions every modern company — from real estate agencies to healthcare startups — must prepare to answer.

Lessons for Businesses and Civil Litigants

The TikTok lawsuits underscore a critical truth: litigation is adapting to a data-driven world. For business owners and professionals, the takeaway is clear:

• Document your digital decisions. Internal systems, software, and automated tools must be monitored and logged.

• Audit your data practices. Transparency isn’t optional — it’s strategic protection.

• Plan for litigation early. If your company relies on online engagement, automation, or analytics, you must anticipate how those tools could appear in discovery.

The Davis Law Group team helps clients do exactly that — not just react to disputes, but prepare for them before they arise. Understanding how digital systems and litigation intersect is now a crucial part of corporate risk management.

The Bottom Line

What’s happening in pop culture and the courtroom isn’t just entertainment news — it’s a mirror reflecting where litigation is headed. As courts grapple with TikTok’s algorithms, every business using data-driven systems should pay attention.

At Davis Law Group, we help clients navigate these evolving legal challenges with strategy, foresight, and precision — whether through pre-litigation counsel, discovery management, or trial representation.

If your business is facing a dispute in the digital age, don’t wait for a lawsuit to go viral. Schedule a consultation with our litigation team or call 404-446-2932 to learn how we can help protect your business in a data-driven world.