Lawsuit Against Social Media Platforms Advances in California Court

Minors and parents won the ruling in the California court after suing giant social media platforms for their alleged design to be addictive to kids.

California State Judge Favors Negligence Claim but Dismisses Seven Other Claims

A state judge junked most of the lawsuit's claims but allowed the negligence claim to proceed. The plaintiffs stated that the companies showed negligence and have purposely designed their platforms to be addictive. Moreover, they claimed that social media platforms have caused depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube are allegedly aware of the potential harm of their platforms. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl ruled that there is an "obvious inequality" between the minors and the internet companies who are capable of controlling how the platforms function.

According to Kuhl, social media companies could be held liable for the allegations as the claims are "based on the fact that the design features of the platforms - and not the specific content viewed by plaintiffs - caused plaintiffs' harms."

Google, Meta Responded to Allegations

Google quickly defended its platform practices stating that the company has always been protecting the kids across their apps. The company also denied the claims. "In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls," Google spokesperson Jose Castañeda stated.

Meanwhile, Meta explained that the company has been working already to make its platform safe for teens. For instance, Meta offers over 30 safety tools for kids and families such as supervision and age verification technology. Other companies have yet to give their comments.