Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit

July 24, 2024

The lawsuit for teens and young adults who have suffered mentally from social media use and addiction is ongoing, and our lawyers are accepting new clients.

A federal judge has dismissed a claim from a tech industry group’s lawsuit challenging Utah’s social media regulations.

The group, NetChoice, argued that Utah’s prohibitions on certain features for minors’ social media accounts were preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

• Judge’s Ruling: U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled that Section 230 does not preempt Utah’s law since it regulates the design features of social media platforms, not the content.
• Features Targeted: The law prohibits autoplay videos, infinite scrolling, and push notifications on minors’ accounts, aiming to mitigate the mental health impact on youth.
• Regulation Validity: The judge emphasized that Utah’s law targets the conduct of social media platforms, not the dissemination of third-party content.

Utah State lawmakers, including Rep. Jordan Teuscher, praised the decision as a significant victory in protecting minors from social media harms.

Additionally, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office has published three proposed rules detailing how a new law aimed at keeping children off social media platforms will be implemented.

This law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, also aims to block minors from accessing online pornography.

The law seeks to prevent children under 16 from opening social media accounts.

Platforms must verify parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to use social media.

Reasonable verification methods include requesting parental contact details and confirming their identity through commercially reasonable means.

The proposed rules could lead to hearings before finalization.

Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges.

Florida’s approach may set a precedent for how states regulate minors’ use of social media and access to online content.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly. 

Social media companies like Facebook (Meta), Instagram, TikTok (ByteDance), and others have evaded responsibility for putting teen mental health at risk, and lawsuits are being filed to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.

July 9, 2024

Several Long Island school districts are suing TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, alleging these platforms are “addictive and dangerous,” contributing to mental health issues among young students.

This legal action aligns with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media due to their association with significant mental health harms for adolescents.

Eleven school districts claim social media platforms have caused financial and resource disruptions, necessitating the hiring of on-site mental health professionals.

Nicholas Ciappetta, President of the South Huntington Board of Education, noted that disruptive social media posts have significantly impacted the school environment.

William Shinoff, a California lawyer representing about 1,000 school districts nationwide, mentioned that over two dozen other districts in the Long Island area plan to file similar lawsuits.

In response, a Google spokesperson stated that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true” and highlighted their efforts to provide safer, healthier experiences for young people.

A Snapchat representative acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve safety and support for adolescents on their platform.

If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

July 1, 2024

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit is ongoing. 

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit involves claims that excessive social media use has led to significant mental health issues, especially among teens and young adults.

In June, there were 475 Social Media Mental Health lawsuit filings.

By July, this number increased to 499, reflecting growing concerns about social media’s impact on mental health.

Excessive social media use can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders by fostering unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors.

A recent federal lawsuit against TikTok also highlights concerns about children’s privacy and psychological impact, contributing to the rise in filings.

The Social Media Mental Health lawsuit seeks to hold social media companies accountable.

If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

June 27, 2024

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced a lawsuit against TikTok Inc., alleging violations of the state’s consumer protection act.

The lawsuit, filed in Merrimack Superior Court, claims that TikTok engages in unfair and deceptive practices by designing an addictive product and misleading consumers about its safety.

The lawsuit highlights that TikTok’s platform uses features that exploit young users’ ongoing brain development, resulting in excessive use and potential harm, such as depression and anxiety.

TikTok is also accused of violating children’s privacy by collecting and using their personal data without proper consent.

In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission settled a similar complaint against TikTok’s predecessor, Musical.ly, for nearly $6 million.

Additionally, the European Commission is investigating TikTok for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, which addresses risks to minors’ mental and physical health.

The New Hampshire lawsuit follows a similar complaint filed by AG Formella against Meta Platforms in October 2023, alleging manipulative design features and deceptive practices on Facebook and Instagram.

The lawsuit ties TikTok’s popularity to increasing mental health issues among New Hampshire teens, citing a significant rise in depression and suicide rates among high school students since TikTok’s launch in 2017.

The complaint claims TikTok’s addictive design alters the brain chemistry of young users and that the company has downplayed the risks while touting ineffective safety measures.

If you or someone you care for has been prescribed Ozempic and/or Wegovy, or any compounded versions of these medications, and have since developed gastroparesis (a condition leading to stomach paralysis) or other related health issues, you may be eligible to submit a claim in the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation and more information on Ozempic Lawsuit claims.

Use the chatbot for a free and confidential case evaluation.

June 21, 2024

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

Almost 500 lawsuits have been initiated against prominent social media corporations, including Meta, Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, YouTube LLC, Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and ByteDance Inc.

These legal actions assert that the design of social media platforms is deliberately optimized to increase user engagement, which leads to addiction and significant mental health problems among adolescents.

The plaintiffs, comprising parents, school districts, and state attorneys general, claim that these companies have neglected the detrimental impacts on young users.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has been assigned to oversee these cases, which have been consolidated in the Northern District of California.

The first bellwether trial in the Social Media Addiction MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) is set to commence on October 25, 2025

The selection of bellwether cases anticipated by February 6, 2025. 

Bellwether trials are pivotal as they offer an early indication of how juries might react to the presented evidence and testimonies, and they play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of subsequent cases in the litigation.

Thirty-five states have joined the litigation, demanding accountability for the mental health expenses attributed to social media addiction.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact Us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

June 17, 2024

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling on Congress to require health warning labels on social media platforms to tackle the mental health issues prevalent among young people.

Murthy highlights the grave risks like increased anxiety and depression linked to prolonged use of social media, advocating for measures to raise user awareness and safety.

His proposed bill would oblige platforms such as Meta, X/Twitter, TikTok, and Snap to display digital warning labels that outline the possible adverse effects on mental health, especially for adolescents who are particularly susceptible to these negative impacts.

Furthermore, Murthy is pushing for legislation that would mandate social media companies to publicly share all data on health impacts and permit independent scientists to conduct unbiased studies on this data.

He draws an analogy to the health warnings seen on tobacco products, suggesting that similar warnings on social media could lead to more informed decisions by users.

Murthy envisions these warnings could be implemented as pop-up messages on sites, similar to cookie notifications, or included in app descriptions in digital stores.

Details regarding how these regulations would be enforced and complied with are still being debated.

Additionally, it has not yet been determined which platforms would be officially categorized as ‘social media’ under the new regulations.

This initiative is part of a wider examination of social media platforms, which includes regulatory hearings and ongoing discussions about a possible TikTok ban.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact Us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

June 10, 2024

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 9, 2024, the New York State Legislature passed two significant bills aimed at regulating social media usage by minors.

The first, known as the SAFE (Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation) for Kids Act, requires minors under 18 to have parental consent to access “addictive” social media feeds.

This legislation targets platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, which are known for algorithms that encourage prolonged engagement at the cost of user well-being.

Supporters of the legislation cite a Harvard University study showing that the six largest social media platforms generated $11 billion from targeting ads at minors. T

They also point to research linking social media addiction to increased depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among youths.

The second bill, the New York Child Data Protection Act, bans websites from collecting, selling, or sharing minors’ personal data without informed consent.

For children under 13, this consent must come directly from a parent, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance.

In related developments, Mississippi will enact a law on July 1 requiring age verification on digital platforms.

Despite unanimous state legislative approval and its intention to shield children from inappropriate content, this law faces opposition and legal challenges from technology companies concerned about its broad impact on content moderation and privacy.

Similar regulatory measures have been introduced in states like Utah, Arkansas, and Texas.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

June 4, 2024

The Social Media lawsuit is ongoing. 

On June 3, 2024, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform facilitates the sexual exploitation of children through its live streaming features.

The lawsuit claims TikTok Live allows children to perform illicit acts on camera in exchange for payments, with insufficient age verification measures.

Despite TikTok’s rule that users must be at least 18 to host live streams, the complaint states the platform has been aware of these issues since December 2023.

TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes defended the platform, asserting it has strong policies to protect teens and revokes access to features for accounts that do not meet age requirements.

This is the second lawsuit filed by Utah’s attorney general against TikTok for allegedly endangering children, with a previous lawsuit accusing the app of harming young users’ mental health.

The new lawsuit claims TikTok failed to address the misuse of its live feature despite being aware of the issue.

Utah’s attorney general is seeking a jury trial.

This lawsuit adds to the growing legal pressure on TikTok, which is also facing a potential ban in the U.S. following a law signed by President Joe Biden.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

June 3, 2024

This month, 20 additional cases were included in the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 3047), raising the total to 475 cases pending, as reported by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

These cases allege that TikTok and other social media platforms have crafted algorithms that intensify the susceptibility of young users to harmful content, contributing to mental health issues and fostering addictive behaviors, while failing to shield users from such content.

If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health issues due to social media use, you might be eligible to file a claim.

Additionally, various states, school districts, and local municipalities are pursuing legal actions against major social media platforms:

• The Mayor of New York City has initiated a lawsuit against Meta, accusing it of contributing to the youth mental health crisis.
• The Muscogee County School District has entered the multidistrict litigation, claiming that social media content has negatively affected students’ learning capabilities in the classroom.
• The state of Utah has sued TikTok, alleging the platform sexually exploits young people.
• Nebraska has launched a lawsuit against TikTok, asserting that the platform’s design deliberately targets minors with addictive features.

If you or a loved one has suffered from mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues linked to excessive social media use, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a lawsuit.

You can also instantly determine if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.

May 22, 2024:

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing.

Nebraska has initiated legal action against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, alleging that the platform’s design specifically targets minors with addictive features that exacerbate the youth mental health crisis.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers accuses TikTok’s algorithms of promoting content harmful to children, including messages that encourage eating disorders, substance abuse, and inappropriate sexual behavior.

The state contends that despite TikTok’s claims of being “family-friendly,” it exposes young users to dangerous content.

The lawsuit, filed in state court, reveals that fictitious profiles set up by investigators for users aged 13, 15, and 17 quickly encountered content that violates TikTok’s Community Guidelines, which forbid material threatening the safety of young users.

Nebraska’s investigation demonstrates a significant gap between TikTok’s advertised safety measures and the reality of the content minors encounter on their ‘For You’ feeds.

This feature automatically populates users’ feeds with potentially harmful videos without any active searching required by the user.

This case is among multiple lawsuits TikTok faces, including a federal lawsuit stemming from U.S. legislation requiring TikTok to sever ties with ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, within one year.

Over 30 states and the federal government have also banned TikTok on state- or government-owned devices due to similar concerns.

TikTok refutes Nebraska’s allegations, stating it has set industry-leading safeguards for teens, including age-appropriate features, parental controls, and a default 60-minute daily time limit for users under 18.

The company pledges ongoing enhancements to these protections to mitigate industry-wide concerns over youth safety and data privacy.

If you or a loved one have experienced mental health issues after developing a social media addiction, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for a free case evaluation to see if you qualify for potential legal action instantly.

There is no shame in admitting that you need help and support to deal with the negative effects of social media.

May 17, 2024:

In a pivotal phase of the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, federal and California state courts are advancing the proceedings.

A Case Management Conference (CMC) has been scheduled to outline the process for selecting plaintiff representatives.

By June 24th, 24 plaintiffs will be chosen, with the individual fact discovery phase concluding by December 6th.

Following this, the plaintiff group will be narrowed down to 10-12 individuals for the expert discovery phase, with expert conclusions expected by the end of 2025.

Simultaneously, a related case in the California Superior Court under Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl is examining the effects of social media on student behavior.

This litigation involves school districts alleging that major platforms like Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and Google LLC have disrupted educational environments, necessitating increased disciplinary actions and enhanced communication strategies.

The districts claim that these platforms, designed to be addictive, are contributing to behavioral issues such as depression and anxiety among students.

Further complicating matters, some social media-driven trends have resulted in considerable property damage within schools.

The oral arguments have emphasized distinguishing between direct content-related harm and the broader, algorithm-driven behavioral impacts.

The schools are challenging the application of federal liability protections under Section 230, arguing against the exemption of external factors like social media from school-related claims.

The broader legal discussion centers on whether the intentional design of these platforms fosters addiction among youth, thereby necessitating a responsibility on the part of social media companies to counteract the negative impacts on young users’ mental health and education.

Our law firm offers confidential consultations for those affected or considering legal action related to social media addiction and its educational impact.

Contact us today, or use the chatbot on our page to determine if you qualify for the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit.

May 1, 2024:

The Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation continues to progress, with 455 lawsuits currently pending as indicated by the latest filings from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

Over the past month, 16 new cases have been added to the MDL.

The litigation alleges that various social media platforms have contributed to mental health issues among users, especially teenagers and young adults, by promoting addictive behavior and failing to shield users from harmful content.

The lawsuits further claim that these platforms were aware of the detrimental effects of their products but did not take sufficient measures to address these issues.

If you or someone close to you has experienced mental health disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other health issues as a result of excessive use of social media, you might be eligible to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.

Please contact our law firm for a free, confidential consultation.

Additionally, you can immediately find out if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit by using the chatbot on this page.

April 22, 2024:

The Social Media Lawsuit continues to unfold as more individuals and families affected by the adverse impacts of these platforms seek legal recourse. 

In a poignant instance, a 16-year-old from Arkansas tragically took his own life following exposure to numerous TikTok videos promoting suicide and self-harm.

This case is part of a significant number of lawsuits consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which alleges that TikTok and other social media platforms create algorithms that may increase young users’ susceptibility to harmful content.

The lawsuit brought by the family of the Arkansas teenager claims that TikTok’s algorithm specifically targeted him with dangerous and inappropriate content, which contributed to his decision to end his life.

The legal team representing the teen’s family argues that TikTok’s platform design is inherently flawed, rendering it an “unreasonably dangerous product” for young users.

They assert that the algorithm significantly amplified the teen’s exposure to damaging content, directly impacting his actions.

There is a growing call among parents and lawyers for a reevaluation of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which traditionally protects platforms like TikTok from being held liable for content posted by users.

A recent study indicates that from 2016 to 2021, hospitalizations and emergency room visits for suicide attempts and ideation among children and teens have increased nationally, signaling a concerning trend in youth mental health and raising questions about the role of social media in these issues.

The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit aims to highlight the potential risks of unregulated content recommendations and drive changes to prevent future tragedies.

If you or someone you care about has experienced mental health problems due to social media usage, you might be eligible to file a claim. 

Contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to instantly check your eligibility for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit.

April 16, 2024:

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been successful in having several lawsuits dismissed that sought to hold him personally responsible for the alleged addictive properties of social media platforms he oversees.

These dismissed claims are part of a larger legal battle that includes hundreds of lawsuits against companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap.

Despite Zuckerberg’s dismissal, the broader litigation continues, especially regarding allegations that these companies have designed their platforms to be particularly addictive to children.

District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled in Zuckerberg’s favor, determining that the plaintiffs could not establish that he had a personal obligation to protect users.

The court highlighted that corporate law typically shields company executives from personal liability, particularly in large corporations where decision-making is shared among several individuals.

The lawsuits had charged Zuckerberg with disregarding internal concerns about the safety of Facebook and Instagram for children and making public assertions that the platforms were secure.

Nonetheless, Zuckerberg’s defense argued that his statements were either general in nature or protected by the First Amendment’s right to free speech.

This development occurs amidst growing concerns about the influence of social media on the mental health of young people.

In recent years, various entities from school districts to state governments have initiated legal actions against social media companies, attributing them to a mental health crisis among youth.

Although Zuckerberg has been removed from this specific lawsuit, the legal challenges focusing on addiction and other mental health issues affecting young users proceed.

These cases involve major companies such as Meta, Instagram, Snap, TikTok, and Google, and have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Our law firm is actively taking on new clients for the Social Media Lawsuit. 

Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to instantly determine if you qualify for the Social Media Lawsuit.

April 1, 2024:

The debate over social media’s effect on mental health is intensifying.

Recent filings by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) indicate that 439 lawsuits are now active within the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation.

These lawsuits argue that prominent social media companies have developed platforms that may worsen mental health conditions, especially among younger users.

Allegations point to the design, algorithms, and operational policies of these platforms as factors fostering addiction, reducing self-esteem, and triggering anxiety and depression, among other issues.

The growing concern highlights the accountability of social media firms to protect user mental health and calls for increased industry regulation and monitoring.

If social media usage has negatively impacted you or someone you know, consulting with a legal professional could provide clarity on your rights and potential actions.

Use the chatbot on this site for a private, no-cost case review to instantly determine eligibility for the Social Media Lawsuit.

March 21, 2024:

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit continues to unfold.

The number of lawsuits targeting social media corporations are on the rise, with individuals demanding accountability from major networks for various harms and grievances.

Our legal team is actively enrolling clients for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit, as the companies face mounting pressures from numerous directions.

In New York, a state judge has permitted a wrongful death claim to move forward against social media giants, including Meta, Alphabet, Reddit, and 4chan, for their role in the radicalization of the individual behind the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

The judge rejected the platforms’ request for dismissal, recognizing the claims that their algorithm-driven engagement tactics played a part in the gunman’s adoption of destructive beliefs.

The judge pointed out that these media conglomerates profit from the dissemination of violent content, aimed at boosting user interaction.

Simultaneously, in Tennessee, a collective of over 30 public school districts has initiated a lawsuit against various social media networks.

Joining a nationwide movement, hundreds of public educational institutions have launched similar legal challenges, with Tennessee’s largest school districts now participating.

This legal effort seeks to increase the platforms’ accountability and improve the provision of critical resources for child protection, highlighting the gaps in current safeguards, oversight, and regulatory frameworks on these networks.

These lawsuits underline the escalating concerns about the influence of social media on mental well-being and its potential contribution to violence in society.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by mental health issues linked to social media usage, you might have grounds to pursue a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the ChatBot on this page for an immediate case evaluation.

March 1, 2024:

The Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing

The Social Media Addiction MDL has recently seen an increase in activity, with eleven new cases added over the past month, elevating the total from 399 cases as of February 1st to 410 by March, according to the latest updates from the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

This surge reflects growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, with the lawsuits alleging that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat have played a significant role in exacerbating mental health issues among young users.

The core of the allegations points to negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the creation of a public nuisance by these social media companies through mechanisms that allegedly exploit user engagement to the detriment of mental well-being.

The lawsuits aim to hold these companies accountable for not adequately warning or protecting users, particularly children and young adults, from the potential mental health hazards associated with their platforms.

Individuals who have experienced mental health issues potentially linked to social media use are urged to explore their legal options. 

TruLaw is providing free consultations for those who believe they may be affected and eligible to participate in the Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit. 

Immediate assistance is available through the ChatBot service on this page.  

February 14, 2024:

The Social Media Addiction and Teen Mental Health Lawsuit is ongoing.

On February 14th, New York State made headlines by initiating legal action against five major social media platforms, alleging their contribution to worsening the youth mental health crisis.

The lawsuit accuses these companies of culpability through their actions and negligence, asserting they played a part in fostering the mental health challenges faced by young people.

The state calls upon these tech giants to amend their practices and provide compensation for the perceived threat to mental health they’ve purportedly fostered.

This legal move comes shortly after the State Health Commissioner issued an advisory last month, likening unrestricted social media access to a public health danger, drawing parallels with past measures taken against tobacco and firearms.

The advisory recommends limiting social media engagement until children reach 14 years old, and offers guidance to parents, educators, and other influencers on safeguarding children from potential harm.

Mayor Adams underscored the detrimental impact of social media platforms on children’s mental well-being, highlighting how the constant influx of harmful content has contributed to a national crisis in youth mental health.

Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix criticized the prioritization of profit over children’s welfare by these social media giants, alleging they intentionally designed platforms with addictive features to maximize financial gain.

Dr. Vasan, the commissioner for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), drew a striking comparison between social media and environmental toxins such as lead or air pollution.

February 1st, 2024:

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing titled “Big Tech and the Crisis of Online Child Sexual Exploitation.”

During this session, CEOs from prominent tech firms, including Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, underwent rigorous questioning concerning the potential harm their products pose to teenagers.

During the hearing, Zuckerberg issued an apology, expressing regret for the pain experienced by affected families and pledging to work collaboratively across the industry to prevent such harm.

The hearing, which featured other executives like Linda Yaccarino from X (formerly Twitter), Shou Zi Chew from TikTok, Evan Spiegel from Snap, and Jason Citron from Discord, concluded after a four-hour examination.

Senate Chair Dick Durbin called for bipartisan legislation to address the crisis of online child sexual exploitation.

Emotional testimonies from parents who tragically lost their children to online harms were also included in the proceedings.

Topics of discussion encompassed platform tools for child protection, Section 230 legal protections, and support for bills such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Stop CSAM Act.

During the hearing, both Zuckerberg and Spiegel personally extended their apologies to families affected by online harm.

The Senate inquiry emphasized concerns about the adverse impact of social media on children’s mental well-being and the proliferation of child sexual abuse materials.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle advocated for a package of bills aimed at bolstering online safety for children, including the STOP CSAM Act.

Internal documents revealed that in 2021, Zuckerberg had rejected requests to expand the child safety team, leading to calls for increased regulatory oversight of tech companies.

TikTok also faced scrutiny regarding its purported ties to the Chinese government, which it vehemently denied.

Critics stressed the necessity of congressional action to comprehensively combat online child exploitation.

January 1st, 2024:

A group of social media and tech firms, led by NetChoice, has filed a federal lawsuit against Utah challenging its social media regulations, scheduled to be enforced in March.

The lawsuit alleges that the laws violate the First Amendment by imposing broad restrictions on youth access to social media platforms, including age-verification and limitations on targeted advertising. NetChoice argues the regulations constitute “age-gating,” requiring all users, including adults, to submit identification, violating free expression rights.

December 19th, 2023:

TikTok has implemented modifications to its terms of service in the United States.

These alterations involve the elimination of provisions that previously mandated the resolution of user disputes through private arbitration and the establishment of a one-year time limit for initiating legal action in cases of alleged harm stemming from app usage.

These adjustments could potentially pose obstacles for those seeking legal recourse against the company.

A coalition comprising more than 40 state attorneys general is currently conducting an inquiry into TikTok’s treatment of young users.

Their objective is to ascertain whether the company has engaged in unfair and deceptive practices that may have negatively impacted the mental well-being of children and teenagers.

A federal judge has ruled that a case involving numerous lawsuits against prominent tech companies, including TikTok, can proceed.

Attorney Kyle Roche, representing a group of over 1,000 guardians and minors with claims related to TikTok usage, has raised objections to the updated terms.

Roche contends that his clients, who are minors, are not in a position to consent to these new terms.

The adjustments made to TikTok’s terms are widely perceived as a response to the potential litigation that may arise from the state attorneys general investigation and the lawsuit in California.

Legal experts have suggested that TikTok may encounter challenges in defending these modifications to its terms of service in court, particularly if consumers were not adequately informed about these changes.

December 4th, 2023:

New Buffalo Area, St. Joseph, and Eau Claire Public schools in Berrien County, Michigan, have joined a nationwide lawsuit against social media platforms, including Facebook, alleging failure to protect students’ mental health and interference with learning.

Over 800 school districts are involved, with the lawsuit calling for safeguards against explicit content and potential harm to students.

Other schools can join until December 29th, with the trial estimated to conclude within two years. The U.S. Surgeon General supports the initiative, recommending digital and media literacy in education to mitigate social media risks.

November 15th, 2023:

A federal court has ruled against Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap, mandating that they must face lawsuits alleging their social media platforms negatively impact children’s mental health.

These tech giants had attempted to dismiss numerous lawsuits that accused their platforms of being addictive to kids.

The legal actions were initiated by school districts across the United States, asserting harm to children’s physical and emotional well-being.

The court’s decision indicates that the First Amendment and Section 230, which provides online platforms some legal protections, do not shield these companies from all liability in this matter.

The judge acknowledged that many of the plaintiffs’ claims were related to alleged flaws within the platforms, such as inadequate parental controls, a lack of robust age verification systems, and a cumbersome process for deleting accounts.

Addressing these issues, the judge stated, would not necessitate altering the content disseminated on the platforms.

However, certain other claimed defects, like the use of “addictive” algorithms and the absence of time limits on platform usage, were protected under Section 230.

The attorneys representing the plaintiffs welcomed the court’s ruling as a significant victory for families affected by the potential dangers of social media.

The decision challenges the tech companies’ assertions that Section 230 and the First Amendment provide them with complete immunity against claims of harm caused by their platforms.

Google defended its actions, refuting the allegations in the complaints and highlighting its implementation of age-appropriate features for children on YouTube.

This ruling has the potential to pave the way for more safety-related claims against social media platforms, even in the absence of new legislation, and could make it more challenging for these platforms to mount legal defenses against such claims.

November 13th, 2023:

Allegations have arisen in an ongoing lawsuit that Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has hindered efforts to improve the well-being of teenagers on Facebook and Instagram, based on internal communications that have been made public.

These documents indicate that Zuckerberg overruled top executives, including Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg, who had advocated for measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of Instagram’s more than 30 million teenage users in the United States.

One specific instance highlighted in the lawsuit involves Zuckerberg’s rejection of a 2019 proposal to disable Instagram’s “beauty filters,” which digitally alter users’ appearances and have been associated with promoting unrealistic body image ideals among teenagers.

Despite widespread support for the proposal, including from other high-ranking Meta officials, Zuckerberg declined it, arguing that there was a “demand” for the filters and no evidence of harm.

The recently disclosed communications also reveal tensions within Meta regarding well-being initiatives and Zuckerberg’s preference for a data-centric decision-making approach.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Meta exploited the psychology of adolescent users to increase engagement on Instagram.

Technology advocacy groups have criticized Zuckerberg and Meta for their handling of these issues, with some asserting that even senior leadership encountered obstacles in addressing concerns related to well-being tools.

In response, Meta has defended its actions, stating that it prohibits filters that overtly promote cosmetic surgery or extreme weight loss and offers tools to support teenagers and families, such as screen-time limits and options to hide like counts on posts.

However, the lawsuit suggests that some of these well-being initiatives may not have been effectively implemented.

November 6th, 2023:

YouTube has introduced new limitations on recommending certain videos associated with body image and social aggression to teenage users in the United States in response to concerns about their mental health impact.

This action comes as a response to an increase in lawsuits against social media platforms.

The restrictions aim to lessen potential harm caused by repeated viewing of content that glorifies specific body attributes or portrays non-contact altercations and intimidation.

These changes specifically target teenage users in the U.S., with gradual plans to extend these measures to other countries.

YouTube is collaborating with experts and its Youth and Families Advisory Committee to evaluate the effects of online content on the mental well-being of teens.

The platform reiterated its dedication to upholding Community Guidelines by removing content that breaches safety, hate speech, and harassment policies.

Moreover, YouTube is enhancing existing features such as Take a Break and Bedtime reminders, initially introduced in 2018.

They are also expanding crisis resource panels for users seeking content related to self-harm or suicide.

November 2nd, 2023:

Two Ventura County school districts are taking legal action against social media companies, alleging that popular cell phone apps are causing widespread psychological harm to students. Simi Valley Unified School District and Conejo Valley Unified School District are suing companies behind platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube in a “mass action lawsuit.” They claim that these companies have contributed to a “mental health crisis” among children and teenagers, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm thoughts, and cyberbullying.

November 2nd, 2023:

Multiple law firms and attorneys are vying for leadership roles in a California federal MDL involving allegations against tech companies harming young people’s mental health.

Seeking to represent school districts and local governments, applicants emphasize their experience in similar MDLs, stressing the need for dedicated representation due to unique legal challenges. They argue for an organized framework to efficiently address the distinct concerns of educational and governmental entities, setting the stage for potential lawsuits by major school districts and local governments within this MDL.

October 27th, 2023:

42 state attorney generals are taking legal action against Meta, the company responsible for Facebook and Instagram.

Their contention is that these social media platforms are intentionally engineered to foster addiction and specifically target minors and adolescents.

This united effort transcends political affiliations and signifies a substantial legal challenge to Meta’s operations.

The legal complaints assert that Meta purposefully structured its platforms to maintain the constant engagement of young users through mechanisms such as algorithms, alerts, notifications, and infinite scrolling features.

Additionally, they accuse Meta of causing harm to the mental well-being of teenagers by encouraging social comparison and body image concerns.

Furthermore, Meta is alleged to have violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by gathering personal information from users under the age of 13 without parental consent.

The states participating in these legal actions aim to curtail what they view as harmful practices by Meta, and they are seeking both penalties and restitution.

The attorneys general contend that Meta was well aware of the adverse effects of its platform design on young users, citing leaked internal research documents disclosed by a whistleblower.

These attorneys general argue that this legal action is part of a wider investigation into the practices of social media companies, potentially leading to settlement discussions or individual lawsuits against other firms employing similar strategies.

The lawsuits underline the bipartisan interest in safeguarding consumers concerning online safety and align with the national emphasis on protecting the online safety and mental health of children.

October 16th, 2023:

Several companies, including Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc., TikTok Inc., and Google LLC, have been confronted with multiple lawsuits alleging that their social media platforms contribute to addiction and harm in children.

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl in Los Angeles County rejected the companies’ legal defenses, asserting that they cannot employ the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to shield themselves from allegations that their platforms were intentionally designed to ensnare young users, leading to depression and anxiety.

These lawsuits have introduced a novel legal concept, treating social media platforms as products with design flaws in order to circumvent Section 230 protections.

The judge clarified that the plaintiffs are holding the companies accountable for how they crafted and operated their platforms, rather than the content hosted on them.

A similar case is currently underway in a federal court in California, potentially setting a precedent for these state-level lawsuits.

The ruling is regarded as highly significant for the families involved in these cases, and a hearing in the federal multidistrict case is scheduled for October 27th.

October 2nd, 2023:

Pinellas County Schools in Florida has joined other school districts in suing social media companies such as Meta and TikTok, alleging that these platforms are contributing to a mental health crisis among students, impacting their performance in the classroom.

he district will be represented by the same attorneys who handled a recent vaping lawsuit and will participate in multi-district litigation against parent companies, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

If successful, the district aims to recover taxpayer resources spent addressing these issues.

September 1st, 2023:

The Board of Education of Charles County, Maryland has filed a lawsuit against social media companies, including Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, alleging that their addictive products are harming youth mental health. The lawsuit claims that these platforms are designed to target and addict children, manipulate users to spend excessive time online, and do not provide sufficient safeguards to verify users’ ages.

The school system argues that these companies prioritize profits over safety and contribute to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among students.

Charles County joins a hundreds of additional school systems across the U.S. suing the social media giants for detrimental affects on students’ mental health.

July 26th, 2023

Approximately 200 school districts across the country have filed a lawsuit against social media giants, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, claiming harm caused to students, particularly regarding cyberbullying and mental health issues linked to social media usage.

The case, consolidated in a U.S. District Court in California, questions the implications of Section 230, which protects social media companies from significant liability for user-generated content. The schools argue that Section 230 should not apply in this situation, citing addictive algorithms and product design affecting vulnerable students.

July 28th, 2023

The Las Virgenes and Conejo Valley Unified school districts are among the numerous districts joining a lawsuit against social media companies alleging their negative impact on students’ mental health and financial burden on schools.

The school districts’ trustees have voiced differing opinions on the litigation, with some expressing concern over social media’s influence on students and the need for accountability from the companies involved. The lawsuit addresses issues related to age verification, parental controls, targeted algorithms, constant notifications, and endless scrolling designed to addict students to social media platforms.

The Penn Hills School District in Pennsylvania recently joined the growing number of educational institutions taking legal action against major social media companies.

By voting in favor, the board joined a civil lawsuit that claims social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, have played a role in exacerbating a youth mental health crisis. The board members highlighted their concerns regarding the detrimental impact of social media on school-age children, citing issues such as heightened bullying and conflicts, as well as the diminishing importance of real-life experiences.

Montgomery County, Maryland, the state’s largest school district, has joined the ongoing federal lawsuit against social media giants such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook.

Following a series of disturbing incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic that seemed to be connected to viral videos on these platforms, the local school system has become increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on students.

With approximately 160,550 students across 210 schools, Montgomery County Public Schools believes that social media is fueling body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and even violence.

Three districts in Oregon have now filed lawsuits against social media platforms under the belief that they are placing profits over the health of students.

Washougal and Salem-Keizer school districts have both filed lawsuits against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Google, YouTube, and TikTok.

This comes after the Gervais school district filed a lawsuit back in March.

An increasing number of public schools have filed lawsuits against various social media platforms after the initial lawsuits were placed earlier this year.

The school systems are seeking financial compensation along with the hope that courts declare social media companies’ practices as a public nuisance.

These cases are currently still in the early phases as more and more schools in various states continue to file lawsuits.

Multiple public schools have filed lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms.

The first lawsuits were filed by Seattle Public Schools in January.

Since then, school districts in New Jersey and Florida have filed lawsuits.

In March, Bucks County, located in Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit alleging that social media companies are designing and marketing their platforms in way that encourages “youth addiction.”

While there has not been an update on these cases, social media companies have responded stating that there are parental control and kids’ safety features placed on their platforms for younger users.