A Kentucky school district secured approximately $27 million in settlements from social media companies, with Meta Platforms paying $9 million, according to records reviewed by Reuters in May 2026.
More than 40 U.S. state attorneys general filed suit against Meta in October 2023, alleging its platforms were designed to be addictive to minors.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, enacted in 1996, generally shields online platforms from liability for user-posted content.
The U.S. Surgeon General issued a 2023 advisory citing associations between heavy social media use and adolescent mental health concerns, while noting research on causation remains incomplete.
Supporters of platform liability argue companies designed addictive features targeting minors; critics argue holding platforms liable would chill protected speech and is preempted by federal law.