Mark Zuckerberg wins lawsuit, not liable for social media addiction in children

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg won a federal judge ruling that makes him personally not responsible in 25 lawsuits accusing the company of allowing social media addiction in children. Cases allege Facebook and Instagram expose younger users to “significant risks” to mental health.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, dismissed claims that Zuckerberg himself masterminded the cover-up of these dangers. Plaintiffs had accused Zuckerberg of being the “guiding spirit” behind these alleged concealment strategies as Meta’s co-founder said he ignored and downplayed public warnings in social media regarding various cases of mental health risks.

In any event, the judge said there was insufficient evidence directly linking Zuckerberg to the alleged wrongdoing. She said that mere corporate oversight fails to reach the personal liability threshold. With the acquittal of Zuckerberg, the broader claims against Meta are still active.

13 states file complaints against Mark Zuckerberg

There are complaints filed under the laws of 13 states, among them New York, Texas, and Virginia. This is part of a larger legal fight. The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Previn Warren, vow to continue investigating how “Big Tech prioritizes profits over children’s safety.”

Of these, 25 cases are among hundreds that target big tech companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat. The class actions, filed by children, parents, and school districts, seek damages for what they say social media addiction has wrought: anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and myriad impacts on education.

Hundreds of state attorneys general are also suing, contending companies like Facebook and Instagram contribute to widespread mental health harm to young people.

The case, formally titled In re Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation, remains in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Meta hasn’t commented on the latest ruling.