Federal Judge Clears Zuckerberg of Personal Liability in Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not personally liable in 25 lawsuits that accuse his company of making social media addictive to children. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, presiding in Oakland, California, dismissed claims that Zuckerberg directly guided efforts to downplay the mental health risks of platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The plaintiffs argued that Zuckerberg ignored internal warnings and downplayed these risks in public. However, the judge stated there was insufficient evidence of direct wrongdoing by Zuckerberg, noting that corporate control alone isn’t enough to establish personal liability. The decision does not impact the ongoing claims against Meta itself.

The cases brought by children, parents, and school districts highlight the potential harm of social media addiction on mental health, alleging that these platforms contribute to anxiety, depression, and educational disruption. These lawsuits are part of a broader movement that includes dozens of state attorneys general pursuing similar claims against Meta and other social media giants.

Previn Warren, representing the plaintiffs, expressed determination to reveal how Big Tech prioritizes profits over the safety of children, signaling that the legal battle against Meta is far from over.