Court Rules Zuckerberg Not Liable for Children's Harm from Facebook and Instagram

A decision by a federal judge has clarified that Mark Zuckerberg holds no personal liability in more than two dozen filed lawsuits. These lawsuits claim that his company's platforms contribute to social media addiction among young users.

California's US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers confirmed this decision in a detailed 10-page document released on Thursday. The accusers argue that Meta was aware of the health dangers posed by Facebook and Instagram to younger audiences.

Among the plaintiffs, who include parents and educational institutions, there's an assertion that Meta masked the dangers linked to their platforms by using 'deceptive statements'. They claim this prevented users from understanding these risks.

The plaintiffs allege that Zuckerberg was instrumental, having directed and participated in, and was fully aware of Meta's deceptive practices, the court document suggests.

However, the judge reasoned that there was insufficient proof indicating Zuckerberg's direct involvement in withholding information about the risks of social media.

The issued ruling emerged in a period when various governments are intensifying regulatory measures against social media entities for their potential addictive impact on younger demographics. Just last October, fourteen state attorney generals lodged complaints against TikTok, citing its addictive nature and detrimental effects on children's mental health.

Legal analysts suggest that these widespread legal pursuits against TikTok are reminiscent of tactics used by the U.S. to address the opioid and tobacco industries.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese disclosed intentions to introduce legislation that would restrict social media access for children below 16. According to Antigone Davis, Meta's head of safety, the company will comply with any age conditions the Australian government deems necessary.

Meta declined to provide a statement regarding the ruling, and representatives for Zuckerberg did not respond to Business Insider's request for comments.

Ongoing Legal Actions

Previn Warren from Motley Rice LLC, representing the plaintiffs, informed Business Insider that their legal action against Meta is persisting.

"Regardless of Mark Zuckerberg's personal legal responsibility, our case against Meta, under his leadership for two decades, proceeds," stated Warren. "Our resolve is unwavering until the multitude of families and educational entities we represent achieve justice. We are advancing towards discovery to unveil the extent of Big Tech's indifference towards child safety in favor of profit."

Numerous plaintiffs are part of the ongoing legal battle. Other companies named in these lawsuits include Snap, ByteDance, and Google.

In a revised complaint submitted in December 2023, plaintiffs reported experiencing 'a spectrum of personal harm as a result of using the Defendants' products'.

"Subjects of injuries involve pain, lasting discomfort, disability, deformity, mortality risk, and severe illnesses, alongside loss of life's pleasures, community, exacerbated health issues, scarring, inconvenience, medical expenses, reduced income potential, and various other financial and non-financial adversities," outlined the complaint.

"These damages often persist indefinitely," the complaint further accentuates.