Kids suing social media over addiction find a win amid losses

Internet companies have long relied on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal statute that has consistently shielded them from liability over comments, ads, pictures and videos on their platforms. — AP

Minors and parents suing Meta Inc’s Facebook and other technology giants for the kids’ social media platform addictions won an important ruling advancing their collection of lawsuits in a California court.

A state judge on Friday (Oct 13) threw out most of the claims but said she’ll allow the lawsuits to advance based on a claim that the companies were negligent - or knew that the design of their platforms would maximise minors’ use and prove harmful. The plaintiffs argue social media is designed to be addictive, causing depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and suicide.