TikTok has reached an agreement to resolve a significant lawsuit concerning social media addiction just before the trial was set to commence, as confirmed by the plaintiff’s legal team. The popular video-sharing platform was among the three companies accused, alongside Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube, of intentionally fostering addiction and causing harm to children through their platforms. Last week, Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, settled the case for an undisclosed amount.
Specifics of the settlement with TikTok were not made public, and the company did not immediately respond to requests for comments. The lawsuit revolves around a 19-year-old, identified only as “KGM,” whose case may set a precedent for numerous similar lawsuits against social media firms. According to Clay Calvert, a technology policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, KGM and two other plaintiffs have been chosen for bellwether trials, serving as test cases to gauge the arguments presented by both sides and potential damages to be awarded.
A spokesperson for the plaintiff stated that TikTok is still a defendant in other personal injury cases, while the trial against Meta and YouTube will proceed as scheduled. Jury selection is commencing this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court, marking the first instance where these companies will present their cases before a jury. The trial’s outcome is anticipated to have significant implications for their operations and approach to underage users.
KGM alleges that her early exposure to social media led to technology addiction and exacerbated feelings of depression and suicidal ideation. The lawsuit asserts that companies intentionally integrated design features into their products to heighten youth engagement for increased advertising revenue, drawing parallels to techniques used in gambling and by the tobacco industry. Executives, including Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify during the six to eight-week trial, drawing comparisons to the historic Big Tobacco cases that resulted in substantial settlements and marketing restrictions.
Tech companies refute the accusations of deliberately harming children through their products, highlighting the safety measures they have implemented over time and disclaiming liability for user-generated content. Meta, in a blog post, criticized attempts to singularly blame social media for teen mental health struggles, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of mental health issues among young people. The company reiterated its commitment to supporting youth and expressed confidence in refuting the lawsuit’s claims.
Google also denied the allegations against YouTube, stating their commitment to providing a safe and positive experience for young users. The lawsuit against TikTok and other social media platforms reflects a broader trend of legal actions seeking accountability for the impact on children’s mental well-being. A federal trial in Oakland, California, starting in June will represent school districts suing social media platforms over harm to children, while over 40 state attorneys general have sued Meta for allegedly contributing to the youth mental health crisis through platform design choices. Numerous similar lawsuits have been filed against TikTok in multiple states.