A U.S. appeals court has cleared the way for more than 3,000 lawsuits against major technology companies, including Meta Platforms, Google, TikTok and Snapchat, over allegations that their social media platforms were deliberately designed to encourage addictive use, particularly among young people.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected an attempt by Meta and TikTok to halt the cases at an early stage. The court said the companies’ appeal was premature, allowing the lawsuits to continue in federal court.
The lawsuits accuse the companies of using features such as algorithmic recommendations and other engagement-focused designs that plaintiffs say can encourage compulsive use and expose children and teenagers to harmful content.
A key issue in the case is Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a U.S. law that provides online platforms with certain legal protections. The appeals court indicated that Section 230 provides a defense that can be raised during litigation rather than giving the companies blanket immunity from the claims.
The ruling adds to growing legal pressure on the social media industry over the potential effects of platform design on young users. Meta is also preparing to face a separate trial brought by 29 U.S. states, which accuse the company of illegally collecting children’s data and intentionally designing features that encourage addictive use.
The companies have continued to defend their platforms and are expected to challenge claims made against them as the cases move forward.
The latest decision could become significant for the technology industry, as the lawsuits may test how far social media companies can be held legally responsible for the design and effects of their platforms.
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