OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A multitude of lawsuits accusing leading social media platforms of promoting harmful and addictive behaviors among youth continue to proceed in federal courts. On Aug. 10, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an early appeal from Meta Platforms and TikTok. This decision leaves more than 3,000 consolidated cases before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. Plaintiffs claim that platform features fostered compulsive usage and contributed to mental health issues in children and teens.
Both Meta and TikTok sought immediate appellate review concerning lower court rulings involving Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The appeals court clarified that Section 230 provides a defense against liability, not immunity from lawsuit. Consequently, the court ruled the companies could not pursue the appeal at this point. The ruling does not decide whether Section 230 will ultimately dismiss any claims but permits ongoing federal proceedings under existing court orders.
This legal action encompasses claims from families, individuals, educational institutions, cities, and state governments. Plaintiffs have also sued Google, owned by Alphabet, which runs YouTube, and Snap, the maker of Snapchat. They argue that social media platforms introduced features designed to encourage repeated engagement from minors. Allegations link these features to depression, anxiety, body image issues, and other mental health concerns. The companies deny the accusations. Additionally, approximately 3,300 related cases remain combined in California state court.
States initiate separate legal action against Meta
Meta faces another federal lawsuit filed by 29 state attorneys general. Jury selection for this case is set for Aug. 12 in Oakland, with the trial beginning on Aug. 17. The states allege that Meta unlawfully collected and used minors’ personal data. They further claim that Facebook and Instagram incorporated features that fostered compulsive use among young users. The lawsuit also accuses Meta of misleading consumers regarding safety protections on its platforms. Meta denies any misconduct.
Claims are made under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and various state consumer protection laws. States including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey have also filed claims under their own statutes. A federal judge previously refused to dismiss the case before trial, citing unresolved disputes. Several states have submitted calculations seeking financial penalties if they prevail. Meta disputes these figures and the legal grounds for the requested sums.
Major decisions widen youth safety legal landscape
Recent rulings have significantly impacted social media liability. On Aug. 6, a New Mexico judge ordered Meta to allocate $567 million for a youth mental health fund and related initiatives. The order also mandated safety measures for Facebook and Instagram over five years. Earlier, a New Mexico jury imposed a $375 million civil fine in March. These rulings resulted in a combined potential exposure of $942 million for Meta in the state case.
In another case, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent in a social media addiction lawsuit, awarding $6 million to the plaintiff. The plaintiff claimed childhood use of Instagram and YouTube led to addiction and mental health issues. Before trial, TikTok and Snap reached undisclosed settlement agreements with the plaintiff. Meta and Google have announced plans to appeal the verdict.