Meta Platforms, Google, TikTok, and Snap will face lawsuits from various school districts, alleging that their “addictive” applications contribute to a mental health crisis among students. A federal judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, denied a dismissal of negligence claims while narrowing the scope of some allegations as barred by the Communications Decency Act. The ruling contrasts with a previous decision in Los Angeles, where a judge favored the companies, leaving them liable to over 150 cases in Oakland while dodging claims in more than 600 other lawsuits. The school districts argue that these platforms are designed to keep children engaged in an unhealthy manner, similar to the tactics of cigarette manufacturers.
