Judge Allows States' Lawsuits Against Meta to Proceed

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will face lawsuits from U.S. states alleging its platforms contribute to teen mental health issues by promoting addiction. A federal judge in California, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, denied Meta's motion to dismiss the claims, allowing lawsuits from a coalition of over 30 states, including California and Florida, to proceed. While some claims were limited due to Section 230, the judge found sufficient detail in the states' allegations regarding misleading practices by Meta. The states seek court injunctions against Meta's practices and monetary damages. In response, Meta stated it has implemented protective measures for teens, such as new 'Teen Accounts' on Instagram. This ruling is a significant development in ongoing litigation regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health.