This week marks a pivotal moment in social media regulation with significant lawsuits against major platforms like Meta and YouTube. These lawsuits claim that their designs deliberately addict and harm children, as troubling statistics reveal that many young users face bullying, harassment, and mental health issues while using these apps. The cases challenge the platforms’ immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act by focusing on exploitative product designs rather than user-generated content. Concurrently, the European Commission’s investigation into TikTok highlights its “addictive” features, potentially leading to fines and a redesign. The push for safer social media experiences for kids reflects wider bipartisan recognition of the dangers posed by these platforms. As calls for more focused regulation intensify, platforms may soon need to rethink their engagement-driven strategies or risk severe legal consequences—marking a turning point in how social media impacts youth.
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