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9th Circuit Considers Liability for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

1/7/2026

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Court Evaluates Social Media Liability

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing whether lawsuits against Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok can proceed over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive for young users.
The lawsuits allege these platforms contribute to mental health issues among children, while the companies rely on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to shield them from liability for third-party content.
Judges questioned this immunity, suggesting the claims focus on platform features rather than third-party content.
A ruling could redefine liability for major social media platforms and the interpretation of Section 230 in the 9th Circuit.

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Virgin Islands Sue Meta

The U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms.
The suit accuses Meta of profiting from scam advertisements, failing to protect children, and misleading the public about its safety measures.
It also claims Meta knowingly exposes users to fraud to boost engagement and revenue, estimating about 10% of 2024 revenue comes from such ads.
Two U.S. senators urged regulatory bodies to investigate Meta's practices.

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Court Evaluates Social Media Liability

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing whether lawsuits against Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok can proceed over claims their platforms are designed to be addictive for young users.
The lawsuits allege these platforms contribute to mental health issues among children, while the companies rely on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to shield them from liability for third-party content.
Judges questioned this immunity, suggesting the claims focus on platform features rather than third-party content.
A ruling could redefine liability for major social media platforms and the interpretation of Section 230 in the 9th Circuit.

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