A federal judge has ruled that Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg cannot be held personally liable in ongoing lawsuits against the company, which allege it has endangered children by fostering social media addiction. On Thursday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers dismissed claims that Zuckerberg played a key role in concealing the mental health risks associated with Facebook and Instagram for young users. The plaintiffs, representing children across various states, argued that Zuckerberg ignored internal warnings and downplayed social media’s potential dangers.
Judge Rogers concluded that the plaintiffs did not provide concrete evidence linking Zuckerberg directly to the alleged misconduct. She emphasized that controlling a company’s actions does not automatically equate to personal liability. However, this ruling does not affect the broader lawsuits still proceeding against Meta.
The 25 lawsuits against Meta are part of a wider wave of legal actions targeting major tech companies like Google, TikTok, and Snapchat over social media’s impact on children’s mental health. The plaintiffs claim these platforms have exacerbated issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in young users. Attorney Previn Warren of Motley Rice, along with other plaintiffs’ attorneys, expressed determination to continue gathering evidence to reveal how tech companies prioritize profit over children’s safety.
These cases are also part of a broader initiative by U.S. state attorneys general, who are holding tech firms accountable for the negative effects their platforms have had on children’s well-being.
