Snapchat owner Snap has settled a social media addiction lawsuit just days before a landmark trial. The case was scheduled to begin in Los Angeles.
Lawyers disclosed the settlement during a California Superior Court hearing. The company later said all sides resolved the dispute amicably. The agreement’s terms remain confidential.
Other Tech Giants Still Face Trial
Other defendants include Meta, which owns Instagram, TikTok owner ByteDance, and Google parent Alphabet. None of these companies have reached settlements.
The lawsuit was filed by a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M. She claimed platform algorithms caused addiction and harmed her mental health.
Because no deals were reached with the remaining companies, the trial will continue against them. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on 27 January.
Executives Expected to Testify
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify during the proceedings. Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel had also been expected to appear before the settlement.
Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet did not respond to media requests seeking comment on the deal.
Snap still faces other social media addiction lawsuits. Courts have combined those cases into a broader legal action.
Legal Shield Under Scrutiny
The closely watched lawsuits could challenge a long-standing legal defense used by social media companies.
Companies argue that Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act protects them from liability. They say the law shields them from responsibility for user-generated content.
Plaintiffs counter that platform design choices drive addiction. They point to algorithms and notifications that shape user behavior.
Social media companies argue the evidence does not prove responsibility. They dispute claims linking their platforms to depression or eating disorders.
