"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."
"Experts see the reckoning as reminiscent of cases against tobacco and opioid markets, and the plaintiffs hope that social media platforms will see similar outcomes as cigarette makers and drug companies, pharmacies and distributors. 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."
Multiple major social media companies face federal and state trials alleging deliberate design choices harm children's mental health by addicting users and exposing them to predators and dangerous content. Lawsuits have been filed by school districts, local and state governments and thousands of families. Two trials are underway in Los Angeles and New Mexico, with more pending nationwide. Plaintiffs argue platform features promote addiction and surface content that contributes to depression, eating disorders and suicide. Experts compare the litigation to tobacco and opioid legal battles. Potential outcomes include challenges to First Amendment protections and Section 230 immunity, substantial legal costs and settlements, and forced operational changes that could reduce user engagement and advertising revenue.
#social-media-litigation #childrens-mental-health #addictive-platform-design #section-230-and-first-amendment
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