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Source: Fox News
Summary
A landmark trial began in Los Angeles Superior Court over claims that Meta and Google’s platforms were designed to addict young users. The trial is a bellwether for roughly 1,600 related cases across the country. The outcome could put the social media giants on the hook for significant damages and have a profound impact on hundreds of other cases in the U.S.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
The trial is a closely watched case that could carry major consequences for hundreds of similar lawsuits nationwide. The outcome could put the social media giants on the hook for significant damages and have a profound impact on hundreds of other cases in the U.S.
Attorneys presented dueling opening statements to jurors, offering an early preview of their most compelling arguments and points they are likely to revisit for the duration of the trial.
Mark Lanier, the attorney for the plaintiffs, told jurors that deciding in favor of his client, K.G.M., will be “as easy as ABC,” which he told the court stands for “addicting the brains of children.”
The outcome of the case could have far-reaching consequences beyond simply financial exposure, impacting the design and regulation standards for social media giants for years to come.
It’s the same tactics used by casinos, “borrowing heavily” from slot machines and tobacco companies in an attempt to “deliberately” develop design features that maximize youth engagement, target younger users — and make it difficult for them to disengage from the platforms compared to older users and adults.
This is a familiar performance, repeated with slight variations, as the tech giants and their lawyers present their cases to the jury.
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Author: Evan Null
