Snap CEO Evan Spiegel avoided testifying in a high-profile social media addiction trial after the company reached a settlement with two teenagers. The plaintiffs alleged Snapchat use led to self-harm and mental health issues. Jury selection had begun last week, with the trial scheduled to start this month.
The teens had previously settled similar claims against Meta, YouTube, and TikTok. A lawyer for the plaintiffs stated the settlement allows them to continue building toward holding social media companies accountable for impacts on children nationwide. Terms of the agreement between Snap and the teens, identified as K.
D. B. and S. J., were not disclosed.
This case is part of several high-profile lawsuits against major social platforms. Earlier this year, Meta, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok faced another lawsuit from a woman harmed as a child. Snap and TikTok settled before trial, while a jury previously ruled against Meta and YouTube, ordering $6 million in damages.
With Snap's settlement, it becomes the latest defendant to resolve the case after Meta settled last week. Snap reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, privacy, and well-being of its community. The company remains among many tech firms facing numerous other lawsuits regarding social media addiction and safety issues.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing