OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Federal courts will continue to hear thousands of lawsuits accusing major social media platforms of fostering harmful and addictive behaviors among young users. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an early appeal from Meta Platforms and TikTok on Aug. 10. This decision keeps more than 3,000 consolidated federal cases pending before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. The plaintiffs contend that design elements of these platforms encouraged compulsive engagement and contributed to mental health issues among children and teens.
Meta and TikTok attempted to seek an immediate review of lower court rulings related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. However, the appeals court clarified that Section 230 acts as a defense against liability, not immunity from legal action. Consequently, the court decided that the companies could not pursue the appeal at this stage. The ruling did not address whether Section 230 will ultimately bar any of the claims, but permitted the ongoing federal proceedings to proceed according to the existing orders from the trial court.
The lawsuit comprises claims from families, individuals, school districts, cities, and state governments. Plaintiffs have also targeted Alphabet’s Google, owner of YouTube, and Snap, which manages Snapchat. The complaint alleges that these social media companies implemented features designed to promote repeated use by young audiences. Alleged links to depression, anxiety, body image issues, and other mental health challenges are cited in the complaints. Both Meta and TikTok deny the allegations. Additionally, roughly 3,300 related cases are still consolidated in California state court.
States pursue independent case against Meta
A separate federal lawsuit against Meta has been filed by 29 state attorneys general. Jury selection for this case is scheduled to begin on Aug. 12 in Oakland, with the trial set to start on Aug. 17. The states accuse Meta of unlawfully collecting and exploiting children’s personal data. They also claim that Facebook and Instagram included features that fostered compulsive use among minors. The case further alleges that Meta misled consumers about safety protections on its platforms. Meta has denied any misconduct.
Claims are brought under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and various state consumer protection laws. States like California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey also assert claims based on their own laws. A federal judge previously refused to dismiss the case before trial, citing unresolved disputes requiring further proceedings. Several states have submitted calculations seeking financial penalties if they win, though Meta disputes both the legal basis and the calculations involved.
Notable rulings broaden youth safety litigation
This broader legal battle against social media firms has already led to significant decisions. On Aug. 6, a judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567 million for a youth mental health fund and associated programs, while also imposing safety measures on Facebook and Instagram for a five-year period. Earlier, a New Mexico jury fined Meta $375 million in civil penalties in March. The combined financial exposure for Meta in the state case totals $942 million.
In another case, a Los Angeles jury found against Meta and Google in March, in a lawsuit alleging social media addiction. Jurors determined that both companies were negligent in designing Instagram and YouTube, awarding the plaintiff $6 million. The plaintiff claims that use of these platforms during childhood led to addiction and mental health issues. TikTok and Snap settled with the plaintiff before trial under undisclosed terms, while Meta and Google have announced plans to appeal the verdict.