Policy & Law2 min read
Snap and YouTube settle another major social media addiction lawsuit
Tags Consumer
Engadget·
Snap and YouTube have reportedly settled another major lawsuit alleging their platforms are designed to be addictive to young users. The companies face numerous other legal challenges related to social media's impact on minors. The settlement terms were not disclosed, but the case is part of a growing wave of litigation against social media companies by states, school districts, and individual families.
Technical significance
The continued legal pressure on social media companies over addictive design is forcing product changes, particularly around features targeting minors. Each settlement adds to the legal precedent that platforms have a duty of care regarding user engagement patterns, which could eventually mandate algorithmic transparency.