US teenager drops lawsuit against Meta over social media addiction
A 15-year-old boy in the United States has withdrawn his lawsuit against Meta, ending a closely watched legal battle over claims that social media harms children’s mental health.
The case was due to begin before a jury in Los Angeles on July 27, but the boy’s lawyers announced on Wednesday that he had decided not to continue with the trial.
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The teenager, identified only as R.K.C., had claimed that excessive use of social media caused him anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. He said he is still receiving treatment.
His lawyers said he chose to withdraw the case because he wanted to focus on his recovery instead of going through a long court trial. They added that he had already helped draw attention to the need to protect children online.
Meta welcomed the decision, saying the teenager dropped the case without receiving any money from the company. The company also maintained that the claims against it had no merit.
Before the case was withdrawn, YouTube, TikTok and Snap had already reached confidential settlement agreements with the teenager.
Meta is still facing several other lawsuits in the United States over claims that its social media platforms are addictive and harmful to young users. Another major trial involving the company is expected to begin next month.
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