Federal Judge Allows Lawsuits Against Social Media Companies

A federal judge has ruled that major tech companies, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap, must face lawsuits from school districts claiming their apps contribute to a mental health crisis among students. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers allowed these lawsuits to proceed despite a previous ruling in favor of the companies by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. The school districts accuse the platforms of fostering compulsive use and addiction among minors, which has led to significant operational disruptions and increased costs for schools. While some claims were dismissed under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, several allegations will move forward, potentially exposing the companies to significant damages. Meta and other companies have denied the allegations, asserting that they have implemented measures to protect young users. This ruling follows recent decisions that also hold Meta accountable for its impact on youth mental health, further intensifying scrutiny on social media practices.