Will Children's Access to Social Media Be Limited? Lawsuits Against TikTok, Youtube, and Snap

TikTok, Youtube, and Snap have reached settlements in the first major case where U.S. schools accuse social media platforms of creating addiction in children and harming the educational system. Bloomberg reports on this development.

The plaintiffs claim that the algorithms of these major platforms are detrimental to students' mental health, forcing schools to spend significant resources to combat the consequences. This case is unprecedented, with over 1,200 similar complaints filed.

The terms of the settlements have not been disclosed. According to the publication's assessment, the total risks associated with these lawsuits for technology companies could reach nearly $400 billion.

Previously, TikTok and Snap had already settled a separate lawsuit regarding the harm caused by social media addiction in Los Angeles before the proceedings began. At that time, Meta and Google had declined to settle, and the jury found them liable for causing harm to a 20-year-old woman, awarding $6 million in compensation.

Meta has also lost a separate case in New Mexico, where the company was accused of failing to protect children from predators online, resulting in a payment of $375 million.

In August, another significant trial against Meta will begin, filed by dozens of state attorneys general in the U.S. If they lose, the company may be required to change the operation of its platforms.

The lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Youtube have emerged after hundreds of complaints from parents, teenagers, and U.S. schools. The plaintiffs argue that social media platforms are specifically designed to create addiction among children and adolescents. The primary complaints focus on endless news feeds, the automatic playing of videos, algorithmic recommendations, and constant notifications.

The plaintiffs seek not only financial compensation but also changes in how these platforms operate, including restrictions for children and new safety standards. The companies deny the allegations. Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok assert that they are developing parental control tools and safety features for teenagers. They also argue that the scientific link between social media and addiction has not been conclusively established.