US appeals court permits social media addiction lawsuits against Meta, Google and TikTok

A federal judge in New York has ruled that major technology firms—including Meta Platforms, Google’s parent Alphabet, and TikTok owner ByteDance—must confront a series of lawsuits alleging that their platforms are designed to foster addictive behavior. The decision, issued on Wednesday, rejects the companies’ motions to dismiss the cases and clears the way for plaintiffs to proceed with claims that algorithmic features and endless‑scroll designs manipulate users, particularly minors, into prolonged screen time. The ruling follows a wave of litigation across the United States that targets the business models of social‑media and search‑engine giants, arguing that they prioritize profit over user well‑being and violate consumer‑protection statutes.

The court’s order arrives as Meta prepares to go on trial this week in a separate New York case focused on child safety, where the company faces accusations that it failed to protect under‑age users from harmful content and exploitation. Plaintiffs in the addiction suits contend that the same design tactics implicated in the child‑safety case also contribute to compulsive use, prompting calls for stricter regulatory oversight and potential damages. The outcomes of both proceedings could shape future legal standards for digital platforms and influence how tech firms address user health concerns.