Social media platforms are under increasing pressure as lawsuits pile up over claims of causing users harm.
Meta is facing another legal challenge over its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, allegedly designed to be addictive to children, and knowingly harm users.
US district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, has rejected Meta’s bid to dismiss claims based against the company based on deception, unfair practices and violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
The judge determined the social media giant did not comply with the legal notice and parental consent requirements granted summary judgment to the states on this issue, Reuters reported.
In a statement responding to the ruling, Meta said: “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”
Meta argued it did not violate the children’s online privacy law because Instagram and Facebook are marketed at a wide audience rather than just young users. It also claimed that “social media addiction” is not an established psychiatric condition, so therefore such allegations cannot be proven.
Meta and YouTube were both found by a California jury to be addictive by design, causing harm to young users. The landmark case has since been springboard for further legal action against the tech companies.
In the coming months and years, it’s expected that many more cases will be brought against Meta and other social platforms. To mitigate against this, Meta asked for legal immunity against child harm lawsuits.
TikTok settles teen addiction case
Similarly, TikTok has agreed to settle a lawsuit against a teenager, known as RKC, who alleged the platform contributed to damaging their mental health, Reuters reported.
YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram were also named in this lawsuit – with YouTube already settling the case, and Meta and Snapchat scheduled to start their trials later this month.
This is the second trial in California brought against a social media platform in regards to teen mental health crises, with many expected to follow.
