Social Media Companies Face Legal Reckoning Over Mental Health Harms to Children

"For years, social media companies have disputed allegations that they harm children's mental health through deliberate design choices that addict kids to their platforms and fail to protect them from sexual predators and dangerous content. Now, these tech giants are getting a chance to make their case in courtrooms around the country, including before a jury for the first time."

"The outcomes could challenge the companies' First Amendment shield and Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms. They could also be costly in the form of legal fees and settlements. And they could force the companies to change how they operate, potentially losing users and advertising dollars."

Social media companies including Meta and TikTok face federal and state trials seeking to hold them responsible for harms to children's mental health. Lawsuits originate from school districts, local, state, federal governments, and thousands of families. Plaintiffs allege deliberate design choices addict children and expose them to sexual predators and harmful content, contributing to depression, eating disorders, and suicide. Trials are underway in Los Angeles and New Mexico, with more expected. Legal outcomes could challenge First Amendment protections and Section 230, lead to expensive legal fees and settlements, and force operational changes that may reduce users and advertising revenue.

Read at Medpagetoday