Over 40 state attorneys general bring lawsuit saying social media is addictive and harmful for kids

In response to news that over 40 states and the District of Columbia are suing the major social media platforms for building and designing products that violate the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act, Issue One released the following statement from Council for Responsible Social Media Director Alix Fraser:

“Today’s announcement that 41 states and the District of Columbia are bringing a lawsuit against the major social media companies for creating addictive and dangerous products is the clearest sign that action from Congress to enact responsible safeguards is long overdue. Litigation is no substitute for legislation. It’s time to put our children, our communities, and our national security before Big Tech profits. Congress needs to step up with solutions that hold the platforms accountable.”

Background:

A new poll from Citizen Data commissioned by Issue One showed that:

• 67% of Americans believe Congress is not doing enough to hold Big Tech accountable for the harms caused by their social media platforms.
• 76% of Americans agree that social media companies have a responsibility to design their platforms in a way that protects the mental health of children, even if these practices limit profits.
• 80% believe evolving AI technologies will worsen children and teen safety online.