A Los Angeles jury found Alphabet’s Google and Meta liable on Wednesday in a lawsuit concerning social media addiction. The verdict could have broad implications, potentially influencing thousands of similar cases brought against the tech companies by parents, attorneys general, and school districts.
Mounting Legal Challenges
The case centered on a 20-year-old woman who alleged she became addicted to the platforms due to their intentionally attention-grabbing design. Notably, the plaintiffs focused on the design of the platforms themselves, rather than the content hosted on them, a strategy that may prove effective in holding the companies accountable.
Snap and TikTok were as well named as defendants in the lawsuit, but both companies reached settlements with the plaintiff before the trial began. The terms of those settlements were not disclosed.
This verdict arrives as large technology companies face increasing scrutiny regarding child and teen safety. The debate surrounding regulation has largely shifted from the U.S. Congress – which has not passed comprehensive legislation – to state governments and the courts.
At least 20 states enacted laws last year addressing social media usage and children, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. These laws include regulations on cellphone use in schools and requirements for age verification for social media accounts.
Another case, brought by several states and school districts against technology companies, is scheduled to go to trial this summer in federal court in Oakland, California. A further state trial is planned in Los Angeles in July, involving Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, according to attorney Matthew Bergman.
In a related development, a New Mexico jury found Meta in violation of state law on Tuesday. That case, brought by the state’s attorney general, alleged Meta misled users about the safety of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp and enabled child sexual exploitation on those platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis of the lawsuit in Los Angeles?
The lawsuit involved a 20-year-old woman who claimed she became addicted to social media apps at a young age due to their attention-grabbing design.
Which companies settled before the trial began?
Snap and TikTok settled with the plaintiff before the trial began, but the terms of the settlements were not disclosed.
Are other legal challenges pending against these companies?
Yes, a separate case brought by several states and school districts is expected to go to trial in Oakland, California this summer, and another trial is scheduled in Los Angeles in July.
As legal challenges mount, what role will platform design play in determining the responsibility of social media companies for the well-being of their users?
