Meta’s Zuckerberg not liable in lawsuits over social media harm to children

However, the judge found insufficient detail about specific wrongful actions by Zuckerberg, stating that merely controlling corporate activities does not establish liability. Her decision does not affect related claims against Meta itself.

The plaintiffs brought claims under laws from 13 U.S. states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Previn Warren, a partner at Motley Rice representing the plaintiffs, stated on Friday that his clients would continue gathering evidence “to uncover the truth about how Big Tech has knowingly prioritised profits over the safety of our children.”

These 25 lawsuits are among hundreds filed by children, families, and school districts seeking damages from Meta, Alphabet’s Google, ByteDance’s TikTok, and Snap’s Snapchat over social media addiction. In addition, dozens of state attorneys general across the US are pursuing similar cases against Meta, linking its platforms to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and interference with education and daily life.

The case is titled In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-md-03047.

(With inputs from Reuters)