Snap settles social media addiction lawsuit
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Lawyers revealed the deal at a California Superior Court hearing. Snap told the Baner Club that the parties were “pleased to have been able to resolve this matter amicably.”
Other defendants remain in the case
These companies have not settled, and the trial will continue against them. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on 27 January.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify.
Allegations of addiction
The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., claimed the platforms’ algorithmic designs caused addiction and harmed her mental health.
The case could challenge a legal defense social media companies have used for years. Platforms have argued that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields them from liability for third-party content. Plaintiffs argue the companies deliberately designed features to foster addiction through algorithms and notifications.
Ongoing legal battles
Snap remains a defendant in other consolidated social media addiction cases. The outcome of these lawsuits could have broader implications for how courts hold social media platforms accountable.
