Judge Dismisses Certain Claims Against Zuckerberg Regarding Social Media Harm on Children

The US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, has ruled in favour of Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, dismissing some claims in multiple lawsuits alleging that he concealed the harmful effects of Facebook and Instagram on children.

The ruling is part of a broader litigation involving numerous lawsuits filed by children, accusing Meta and other social media companies of fostering addiction to their platforms.

While twenty-five of these cases sought personal liability against Zuckerberg, arguing that his public image and influential role obligated him to fully disclose the risks posed by Meta's platforms to children, Judge Rogers rejected this argument.

She stated that relying on Zuckerberg's unique understanding of Meta's products to establish a personal duty to each plaintiff would set a precedent for a duty to disclose for any public figure, which she deemed untenable.

Meta, though remaining a defendant, refrained from commenting on the ruling, maintaining its denial of any wrongdoing.

The lawsuits, filed on behalf of individual children, assert that social media usage has caused them physical, mental, and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and in extreme cases, suicide.

The ongoing litigation seeks both damages and an end to the alleged harmful practices of the defendants. Additionally, several states and school districts have also initiated legal action against Meta, with those cases still pending.

(The writer is a legal associate at NYK Law Firm, one of the top legal consultants in Dubai)

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