AI Generated Image
Meta, other tech companies must face thousands of lawsuits over social media addiction, court rules
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- A U.S. appeals court allowed over 3,000 lawsuits against Meta, Google, TikTok, and other social media companies to proceed, rejecting the companies' early appeal to dismiss claims that their platforms are addictive to young users.
- The 9th Circuit Court ruled that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides a defense to liability but does not grant immunity from lawsuits, making the companies' appeal premature.
- The court also denied Meta's request to delay a trial involving allegations from 29 state attorneys general that the company illegally collected children's data and designed platforms to keep young users hooked.
- The lawsuits, filed by states, municipalities, school districts, and individuals, claim social media companies contributed to a mental health crisis among youth by intentionally addicting young users.
- Recent trials have resulted in significant rulings against Meta, including a $6 million verdict in California and a $942 million judgment in New Mexico for misleading consumers and harming young users, with both Meta and Google planning to appeal.
