Meta can't stop states' $1.4 trillion lawsuit from going to trial
A federal appeals court has ruled that Meta and TikTok cannot use Section 230 to avoid trial in a massive lawsuit regarding social media addiction. The court clarified that Section 230 provides a defense against liability rather than total immunity from being sued.
Why it matters
This ruling clears the path for a $1.4 trillion lawsuit to proceed to trial, potentially setting a major legal precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for platform design.
Heading to trial Meta can’t stop states’ $1.4 trillion lawsuit from going to trial Judges tell Meta that Section 230 provides a defense, not immunity from lawsuits.
4 Credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto Credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Meta and TikTok tried to defeat thousands of social media addiction lawsuits in one fell swoop, but an appeals court rejected the attempt in a ruling issued yesterday.
First up among the lawsuits is a case brought against Meta by the California attorney general and other state AGs. Meta said in a July court filing that the state AGs’ demands for damages would amount to more than $1.4 trillion. A trial in district court is scheduled to start on August 19, with jury selection beginning August 12.
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