"It's the first time the companies will argue their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. The selection process is expected to take at least a few days, with 75 potential jurors questioned each day through at least Thursday. A fourth company named in the lawsuit, Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum."
"At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials "KGM," whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials - essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute."
"KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the lawsuit claims that this was done through deliberate design choices made by companies that sought to make their platforms more addictive to children to boost profits. This argument, if successful, could sidestep the companies' First Amendment shield and Section 230, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms."
Three major technology companies face a Los Angeles jury trial alleging their platforms deliberately addicted and harmed children. Jury selection will span several days with dozens of potential jurors questioned daily. Snap settled separately. A 19-year-old plaintiff identified as KGM and two others serve as bellwether cases to test liability and damages for thousands of similar lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim early social media use produced addiction, worsened depression, and increased suicidal thoughts due to deliberate design choices aimed at increasing engagement and profits. Plaintiffs argue those design-based claims could bypass First Amendment protections and Section 230 immunities, potentially reshaping platform responsibilities. Plaintiffs also allege use of behavioral and neurobiological techniques similar to those in gambling and tobacco industries to increase addictiveness.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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