Court Dismisses Some Claims Against Meta’s Zuckerberg in Social Media Harm Lawsuits

Ruling by U.S. District Judge

In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, dismissed some claims against Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a series of lawsuits alleging that Facebook and Instagram were harmful to children. These lawsuits, brought forth by children, are part of a broader litigation accusing social media companies, including Meta, of addicting users to their platforms.

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Personal Liability of Zuckerberg

Twenty-five of the cases sought to hold Zuckerberg personally liable, arguing that he concealed the risks associated with Meta’s platforms despite warnings of their unsuitability for children. The plaintiffs contended that Zuckerberg’s influential role as the face of Meta obligated him to fully disclose the risks posed by the platforms.

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Dismissal of Claims

However, Judge Rogers ruled that the plaintiffs couldn’t establish that Zuckerberg owed a duty to each individual plaintiff based solely on his comparative knowledge about Meta’s products. She rejected the notion that public figures like Zuckerberg have a blanket duty to disclose information, stating that such an approach would set a concerning precedent.

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Ongoing Litigation

Despite the dismissal of some claims against Zuckerberg, Meta remains a defendant in the litigation. Hundreds of lawsuits are pending against Meta and other social media giants, including Alphabet (Google and YouTube), ByteDance (TikTok), and Snap (Snapchat). These lawsuits allege that social media use has led to physical, mental, and emotional harm among children, ranging from anxiety to depression and suicide.

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Seeking Damages and Policy Changes

The litigation seeks both damages and a cessation of practices deemed harmful by the plaintiffs. Additionally, several states and school districts have filed separate lawsuits against Meta, underscoring the widespread concern over the impact of social media on children’s well-being.