A U.S. federal judge ruled that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, must face lawsuits filed by multiple states accusing it of contributing to teen mental health issues by making its platforms addictive.
The lawsuits, brought by over 30 states including California and New York, claim Meta’s platforms negatively affect adolescents’ mental health, causing anxiety and depression. While the judge limited some claims under Section 230, most of the case will proceed.
Other social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube also face related lawsuits but are not defendants in the states’ actions.
The ruling opens the door for further evidence collection and possible trials, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasizing Meta should be held accountable for its impact on young users.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers hailed the decision as a victory for teens affected by harmful social media practices. Meta, in response, disagreed with the ruling, stating it has introduced tools to safeguard teens, while Google dismissed the allegations as untrue.
The states are seeking court orders and financial damages for Meta’s allegedly harmful business practices.