OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Numerous lawsuits accusing prominent social media platforms of promoting harmful and addictive behaviors among young users are allowed to proceed in federal jurisdiction. On Aug. 10, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an initial appeal submitted by Meta Platforms and TikTok. This ruling keeps over 3,000 consolidated federal cases under the purview of U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. The plaintiffs contend that certain features built into these platforms foster compulsive usage and have contributed to mental health issues in children and teenagers.
Both Meta and TikTok had sought to secure an immediate appellate review of lower court decisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The appellate court clarified that Section 230 is meant to serve as a shield against liability, not as complete immunity from lawsuit. Consequently, the court determined that the companies could not pursue an appeal at this point. The ruling does not decide if Section 230 will ultimately block these claims but permits the ongoing federal litigation to proceed according to the current trial court directives.
This legal action involves claims from families, individuals, educational institutions, cities, and state governments. Additionally, plaintiffs have filed suits against Alphabet’s Google, owner of YouTube, and Snap Inc., operator of Snapchat. The core argument is that social media platforms incorporated features designed to promote repeated engagement among young users. Allegations include links to depression, anxiety, body image issues, and other mental health concerns. The defendants deny these accusations. Furthermore, around 3,300 related cases continue to be consolidated in California state court.
States initiate separate legal action against Meta
In addition to federal cases, Meta faces a distinct lawsuit filed by 29 state attorneys general. Jury selection for this case is set to begin on Aug. 12 in Oakland, with the trial scheduled to commence on Aug. 17. The state officials allege Meta unlawfully collected and used children’s personal data. They also claim Facebook and Instagram implemented features that foster addictive behaviors among minors. The lawsuit further accuses Meta of misleading consumers regarding safety protections on its platforms. Meta maintains that it has done nothing wrong.
The legal claims are based on violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act as well as various state consumer protection laws. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey also have individual state law claims included in the case. A federal judge previously refused to dismiss the case before trial, citing unresolved issues that require further judicial examination. Several states have submitted calculations outlining potential financial penalties if they succeed. Meta has challenged these figures and disputes the legal foundation for the amounts requested.
Notable court decisions expand the scope of youth safety litigation
The broader legal actions against social media companies have already resulted in significant rulings. On Aug. 6, a judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to allocate $567 million toward a youth mental health fund and related initiatives. The court also mandated safety measures for Facebook and Instagram for a period of five years. Earlier in March, a New Mexico jury penalized Meta with a $375 million civil fine. These rulings combined impose a total financial liability of $942 million on Meta in that state’s case.
In another case, a Los Angeles jury found against Meta and Google in a separate lawsuit alleging social media addiction. The jurors determined that the companies were negligent in designing Instagram and YouTube and awarded $6 million to the plaintiff. She claimed that her childhood exposure to these platforms led to addiction and mental health issues. Meanwhile, TikTok and Snap settled with the plaintiff prior to trial under terms that remain undisclosed. Both Meta and Google announced their plans to appeal this verdict.