Snap, the company behind Snapchat, has settled a social media addiction lawsuit shortly before trial. The landmark case was due to begin in Los Angeles.
Lawyers disclosed the settlement during a California Superior Court hearing. The company later said all parties resolved the dispute amicably. The settlement terms were not disclosed publicly.
Other Platforms Refuse to Settle
Other defendants include Meta, which owns Instagram, TikTok owner ByteDance, and Google parent Alphabet. None of these companies have reached settlement agreements.
The plaintiff is a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M. She alleged that platform algorithms caused addiction and damaged her mental health.
Because the other companies did not settle, the trial will proceed against them. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on 27 January.
High-Profile Testimony Expected
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify during the trial. Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel was also expected to testify before the settlement.
Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet did not respond to media requests for comment. They offered no public reaction to the agreement.
Snap remains a defendant in other social media addiction lawsuits. Courts have consolidated those cases into a broader legal action.
Legal Protections Face New Test
The closely watched lawsuits could challenge long-standing legal protections for technology companies.
Social media companies rely on Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. The law limits liability for third-party content posted on platforms.
Plaintiffs argue that platform design choices actively drive addiction. They cite algorithms and notification systems as harmful features.
The companies deny responsibility for the alleged harms. They say evidence fails to prove links to depression or eating disorders.
