NYC Takes Legal Action Against Facebook, YouTube, TikTok Over Child Safety

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday the filing of a lawsuit against major social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and others, alleging detrimental impacts on the mental health of young individuals in the city.

According to CNBC, the city, along with plaintiffs such as the school district and health organizations, filed the lawsuit in the Los Angeles County branch of the California Superior Court due to the companies’ connections to the area, as stated in the filing.

The lawsuit claims that Meta, Snap, ByteDance, and Google knowingly designed their platforms to attract and addict youth, with minimal parental oversight, violating city laws related to public nuisance and gross negligence.

Mayor Adams stated, “Today, we’re taking bold action on behalf of millions of New Yorkers to hold these companies accountable for their role in this crisis.” He emphasized the importance of addressing the impact of social media on youth mental health.

A spokesperson for TikTok highlighted the company’s efforts to implement safeguards for teens, including parental controls and age restrictions, while a Google representative denied the allegations, stating that providing a safer online experience for young people has always been a priority.

Similarly, Meta emphasized its commitment to providing safe experiences online, and Snap emphasized its platform’s focus on facilitating conversations among close friends rather than encouraging passive scrolling.

The lawsuit mirrors similar allegations made in 2022 against Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Alphabet, claiming their products are designed to maximize screen time and have resulted in emotional and physical harms.

Lawmakers have been pushing for regulation, with bills like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) gaining attention. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel faced tough questions from lawmakers at a recent Senate Judiciary hearing regarding their platforms’ impact on children’s well-being.

Additionally, a coalition of over 40 attorneys general filed a joint federal lawsuit against Meta alleging that its products are addictive and harmful to mental health.