TikTok avoids historic trial with last-minute Snap settlement
TikTok settled a lawsuit on Monday evening that accuses social media companies of intentionally designing addictive products, resulting in harm to users. Snap reached a settlement the previous week, leaving Meta and YouTube to proceed to trial with jury selection scheduled for Tuesday. The case focuses on a 19-year-old plaintiff identified only as K.G.M.
The lawsuit represents the initial legal action among numerous similar challenges targeting social media platforms. Plaintiffs contend that companies like TikTok, Snap, Meta, and YouTube engineer their applications to foster addiction through specific features and algorithms, leading to detrimental effects on young users’ mental health and well-being.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and YouTube chief Neal Mohan are slated to provide testimony during the trial. Their appearances will address the companies’ product design practices and the alleged impacts on users.
TikTok and Snap resolved the matter through out-of-court agreements without conceding to the claims of wrongdoing. Details of the settlement amounts and other terms remain undisclosed to the public.