TikTok has reached a settlement to avoid being part of a high-profile social media addiction trial in California, just hours before jury selection was set to begin. The lawsuit was filed by a 20-year-old woman who claims that the design of social media algorithms made her addicted to these platforms and harmed her mental health.
TikTok has reached a settlement to avoid being part of a landmark social media addiction trial, just hours before jury selection was due to begin in California.
The lawsuit was filed by a 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, who alleges that the design of social media algorithms left her addicted to these platforms and harmed her mental health.
Confidential agreement, other tech giants remain
Confirming the settlement, the Social Media Victims Law Center said the parties had reached an “amicable resolution”, adding that the terms are confidential. With TikTok exiting the case, the remaining defendants include Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and Google, the parent company of YouTube. Snapchat settled with the plaintiff last week.
Focus shifts to addictive design practices
The social media companies named in the case have argued that the evidence does not prove they are responsible for alleged harms such as depression or eating disorders. However, the case proceeding to trial reflects a broader shift in how US courts are addressing claims against tech firms over addictive product design.
Section 230 defence under scrutiny
For years, tech companies have relied on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, passed in 1996, which shields platforms from liability for third-party content. In this case, however, the focus is on design choices — including algorithms, notifications, and engagement features — that shape how users interact with apps.
Lawyer calls case a first-of-its-kind test
KGM’s lawyer, Matthew Bergman, said the trial would mark the first time a jury examines the accountability of social media companies for such claims. He argued that young people in the US, the UK, and elsewhere are suffering because of what he described as dangerous and addictive algorithms.
Industry-wide implications
Legal experts say the outcome could have far-reaching consequences. Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, warned that repeated losses in court could pose a serious threat to social media companies, though he said proving a direct link between platforms and physical or mental harm may be difficult.
Internal documents likely to surface
At trial, jurors are expected to review internal company documents. Mary Graw Leary, a law professor at the Catholic University of America, said material companies have long tried to shield from public view is likely to be aired in court.
Meta said it strongly disagrees with the claims and maintains it has introduced several tools to support a safer online environment for teenagers. Researchers have previously questioned the effectiveness of these measures, a point Meta has disputed. The companies are also expected to argue that any alleged harm is caused by third-party users rather than the platforms themselves.
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