user safety

Social media regulation is mirroring the 1998 tobacco settlement. Former architect Mike Moore is guiding state AGs in a potential sweeping settlement with tech giants like Meta, accused of fostering addiction and harming young users. Meta recently agreed to a significant settlement addressing child mental health damage. Moore envisions a broader settlement and a national public education fund to combat addiction. While parallels exist, tech’s evolving nature presents unique challenges. Legal experts caution that despite settlements, the fight for user safety is ongoing.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified in a social media addiction trial, denying he instructed his team to hide information that could expose Meta to legal liability. He stated he wouldn’t be surprised by legal counsel reviewing child safety research but would be if the primary aim was to shield the company. Mosseri also explained restricting access to research post-whistleblower revelations was to prevent information from being taken out of context.

Meta faced major legal setbacks this week as juries ruled against the company in two trials. Allegations centered on Meta’s failure to adequately police its platforms, endangering young users, with evidence drawn from its own internal research contradicting public statements. This ruling highlights concerns about tech companies’ transparency regarding potential harms, especially as the industry pivots to AI. Meta and Google plan to appeal.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in a trial alleging social media platforms, including Instagram, cause mental harm and addiction. The plaintiff claims Meta and others intentionally designed apps to foster compulsive use. While Snap and TikTok settled, Meta denies the allegations, focusing on proving Instagram wasn’t a substantial factor in the plaintiff’s struggles. This case, compared to “Big Tobacco” litigation, signals a critical moment for the industry.

New Mexico is suing Meta, alleging its platforms like Facebook and Instagram facilitate the targeting and exploitation of children by predators. The state claims Meta created a “dangerous product” that enables harm to minors, with the lawsuit mirroring concerns in other ongoing cases about social media’s impact on youth mental health and safety. Attorney General Raúl Torrez seeks not only financial penalties but also significant changes to Meta’s product design and age verification.