Washington [US], January 27: Meta, TikTok, and YouTube will face trial in the US this week in connection with allegations that the platforms are exacerbating the mental health crisis among young people by causing teenagers to become addicted to social media.
According to Reuters, the plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman from California identified only as KGM, claims she became addicted to browsing platforms like Meta , TikTok , and YouTube as a child. She alleges these apps worsened her depression and exacerbated her suicidal thoughts.
The jury selection process will begin on January 27 (local time).
Amidst a new phase in the debate over screen time for children in the US, the trial at the California Superior Court in Los Angeles County is seen as a precedent for thousands of other lawsuits seeking compensation for the harms caused by social media.
This is the first of several lawsuits expected to go to trial this year, revolving around what the plaintiffs call "social media addiction" in children.
The plaintiff's lawyer, Matthew Bergman, said the lawsuit marks the first time American tech giants have had to defend themselves in court over alleged damages caused by their products.
A key element of the lawsuit is a federal law that largely exempts platforms like Instagram and TikTok from liability for user-posted content. The tech companies argue that the law also protects them in KGM's lawsuit.
If the court rules against the platforms, this would damage the legal "shield" that has protected social media companies from lawsuits for decades.
Attorney Bergman anticipates the case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, whether through KGM's lawsuit or other proceedings.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify in court to defend the company. YouTube will also appear in court and present evidence to demonstrate that its platform is different from apps like Instagram and TikTok.
TikTok declined to comment.
Source: Thanh Nien Newpaper