"Snapchat's parent Snap has settled a social media addiction lawsuit just days before the landmark case was due to go to trial in Los Angeles. Terms of the deal were not announced as it was revealed by lawyers at a California Superior Court hearing, after which Snap told the BBC the parties were "pleased to have been able to resolve this matter in an amicable manner"."
"The closely watched cases could challenge a legal theory that social media companies have used to shield themselves. They have long argued that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 protects them from liability for what third parties post on their platforms. But plaintiffs argue that the platforms are designed in a way that leaves users addicted through choices that affect their algorithms and notifications."
Snap settled a social media addiction lawsuit days before the Los Angeles trial, with settlement terms not disclosed. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., alleged algorithmic design on multiple platforms caused addiction and harmed her mental health. Remaining defendants Meta, TikTok and Alphabet's YouTube did not settle and will face trial beginning with jury selection on 27 January, with Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel was scheduled to testify until the settlement. The cases challenge reliance on Section 230 protections, while companies maintain plaintiffs' evidence fails to prove responsibility for harms like depression and eating disorders.
Read at www.bbc.com
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