The Rise of Social Media Product Liability Lawsuits Explained

When you think of product liability, you may think of faulty machinery, defective auto parts, or contaminated food. In recent years, social media platforms have been facing increased scrutiny. While websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter gained popularity in the early 2000s, product liability suits have only taken hold as of late. Consumers have brought claims against social media networking platforms in regard to negligent design, while also filing suit for any resulting injuries and deaths. If you believe that you have a product liability case against a social media conglomerate, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys are available to discuss your matter.

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Against Social Media Companies

In the past few years, a wave of lawsuits has targeted social media conglomerates. Many have been brought by states, school districts, and parents. When personal injury cases involve the same issues in different states, the case may be transferred to another district to consolidate pretrial proceedings. Such is the case with the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3047). As of March 2026, the current MDL litigation against Meta Platforms, Inc., involves over 2,400 pending cases, being litigated in the Northern District of California. These cases allege that faulty website designs allowed children to bypass parental safeguards, accessing harmful content and maximizing screen time. Although various lawsuits are heard in one court, each separate claim will have an individualized outcome.

Algorithm Accountability Act

Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, social media platforms are shielded from civil liability for what they choose to publish, withdraw, or alter when it comes to user-generated content. However, a recently introduced bill could change that. Known as the Algorithm Accountability Act, social media providers would be held legally responsible if they use an algorithm that promotes harm. The proposed Act defines an algorithm as a “computational process derived from machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, or other computational processing techniques…”

A social media algorithm controls what a user sees in their feed, filtering out unrelated content. If signed into law, this Act would have a great bearing on the effects of social media on our youth.

TikTok Blackout Challenge

Platform algorithms recommend harmful content, with children attempting dangerous challenges. In 2021, TikTok’s Blackout Challenge gained popularity. The challenge was centered around the choking game, which involved cutting off oxygen to the brain until the participant passed out. In Anderson vs. TikTok, Inc., the plaintiff alleged that her 10-year-old daughter died due to asphyxiation from performing the blackout challenge.

The plaintiff claimed that TikTok intentionally designed its algorithms to addict users. Although TikTok claimed protection under the Communications Decency Act, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in August of 2024 that no such protections exist. In June 2025, the Anderson case joined the Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3047).

Assistance from Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

Social media platforms should be held accountable for emotional, physical, and financial harm that you or your child suffers as a result of using their site. Over the years, the courts have debated whether social media platforms are manufacturers. In some jurisdictions, the court may rule that a social media platform was a manufacturer, having a legal obligation to protect the consumer from an unreasonable risk of injury. Unfortunately, many social media platforms are not held to this legal duty.

At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our legal team has a thorough understanding of product liability laws, knowing under what circumstances a conglomerate may have failed to uphold its legal responsibilities. If you or your child experienced injuries as a result of using Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, or another networking platform, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Reach Out to Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Today

We think of social media websites as creating an oasis from our hectic world. Unfortunately, in some situations, it can create more chaos. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys have assisted thousands of clients who have been harmed due to social media influence. With over 100 years of combined experience, you can rest assured that we will help you obtain just compensation. To arrange your free consultation, feel free to contact us online or by phone at (267) 551-8782 today.