The U.S. Supreme Court rejects Meta’s effort to stop a Vermont lawsuit accusing Facebook and Instagram of harming young users. Meta sought to have the case dismissed after Vermont’s highest court allowed it to proceed, arguing that Meta cannot be sued in Vermont because the company and the apps’ design lack specific ties to the state. Vermont counters that its courts have jurisdiction because the platforms attract a large number of teen users in Vermont.
The Supreme Court’s action comes through a brief order declining to hear Meta’s appeal, without providing reasons. The decision is part of a broader pattern of legal scrutiny facing major social media companies, including earlier court setbacks for Meta and for YouTube in similar “addiction” or youth-harm allegations in other states.
Meta says it has already rolled out dozens of tools intended to support teens and their families and has suggested it would work with states on youth social-media standards. Vermont’s attorney general says the ruling confirms that companies doing business in Vermont can be held accountable when youth are harmed.
