NYC sues social media companies for allegedly addicting children | Latest Tech News
New York City filed a new lawsuit accusing Facebook, Google, Snapchat, TikTok and other online platforms of fueling a mental health disaster among children by addicting them to social media.
Wednesday’s 327-page grievance in Manhattan federal court seeks damages from Facebook and Instagram proprietor Meta Platforms, Google and YouTube proprietor Alphabet, Snapchat proprietor Snap and TikTok proprietor ByteDance. It accuses the defendants of gross negligence and inflicting a public nuisance.
The metropolis joined other governments, college districts and people pursuing roughly 2,050 related lawsuits, in nationwide litigation in the Oakland, Calif., federal court.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms was among a handful of companies hit with a lawsuit by New York City accusing them of fueling a mental health disaster among children. AP
New York City is among the most important plaintiffs, with a population of 8.48 million, including about 1.8 million under age 18. Its college and healthcare systems are also plaintiffs.
Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said allegations regarding YouTube are “simply not true,” in half because it is a streaming service and not a social community where people catch up with pals.
The other defendants didn’t immediately reply to requests for remark.
A spokesperson for New York City’s law division said town withdrew from litigation announced by Mayor Eric Adams in February 2024 and pending in California state courts so it might be part of the federal litigation.
The metropolis also blamed social media for an increase in “subway surfing,” or using atop or off the perimeters of transferring trains. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
Defendants blamed for compulsive use, subway browsing
According to Wednesday’s grievance, the defendants designed their platforms to “exploit the psychology and neurophysiology of youth,” and drive compulsive use in pursuit of revenue.
The grievance said 77.3% of New York City high college college students, and 82.1% of women, admitted to spending three or more hours a day on “screen time” including TV, computer systems and smartphones, contributing to misplaced sleep and chronic college absences.
New York City’s health commissioner declared social media a public health hazard in January 2024, and town including its faculties has had to spend more taxpayer {dollars} to tackle the ensuing youth mental health disaster, the grievance said.
According to Wednesday’s grievance, the defendants designed their platforms to “exploit the psychology and neurophysiology of youth,” and drive compulsive use in pursuit of revenue. AP
The metropolis also blamed social media for an increase in “subway surfing,” or using atop or off the perimeters of transferring trains. At least 16 subway surfers have died since 2023, including two women aged 12 and 13 this month, police data show.
“Defendants should be held to account for the harms their conduct has inflicted,” town said. “As it stands now, (the) plaintiffs are left to abate the nuisance and foot the bill.”
Stay informed with the latest in tech! Our web site is your trusted source for breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, gadget launches, software program updates, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
For recent insights, professional coverage, and trending tech updates, go to us frequently by clicking right here.