Snap settles teen social media addiction case, ending Los Angeles bellwether trial before opening statements

Snap was the last remaining defendant; Meta, Google and TikTok had already settled with the two plaintiffs, identified as S.J. and K.D.B., according to the reports. Jury selection was underway, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel had been scheduled to testify, Courthouse News reported. Terms were not disclosed.

The plaintiffs alleged the apps were designed to be addictive and contributed to mental health harms. Snap said "the parties are pleased to have been able to resolve this matter in an amicable manner." Plaintiffs' lawyer Mark Lanier called for "real design changes that protect kids."

Why it matters: More than 2,000 people have brought similar claims in the consolidated cases, and the next trials are scheduled for March 2027, Courthouse News reported. An earlier bellwether jury awarded $6 million against Meta and Google, who have appealed.