Utah
Utah plans to sue social media companies for alleged harms to children, teens
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks about social media from the Gold room on the Capitol in Salt Lake Metropolis on Monday. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information)
Estimated learn time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox mentioned the state plans to sue main social media firms over the alleged harms to youngsters, however supplied few particulars about what that litigation would possibly seem like.
Throughout a press convention Monday, Cox mentioned social media firms have recognized how their platforms can negatively influence the psychological well being of youngsters and youths, and once more requested that firms present higher parental controls and restrict youthful individuals from creating accounts. Earlier this month, Cox issued an analogous warning to firms, and a number of other state legislators spoke about their plans to manage social media platforms — together with requiring age-verification and banning cell telephones from lecture rooms.
“Authorized motion is yet another method that we will carry significant change to guard our youngsters,” Cox mentioned.
Utah Legal professional Normal Sean Reyes mentioned that lawsuits have but to be filed, however the state is contemplating “any and all” claims in opposition to varied platforms.
“Social media isn’t itself inherently good or evil, however the overuse and abuse of social media, the manipulation of it, the unrealistic expectations fostered by it have grow to be so damaging to our youngsters that I consider … the adverse elements of social media are an existential risk,” Reyes mentioned. “… We’re on the opposite aspect of a social media Rubicon — a degree of no return except we take severe motion.”
Each Cox and Reyes mentioned the state remains to be open to working with social media firms to resolve issues exterior of the courts, however will transfer forward with potential lawsuits within the meantime.
“It’s extremely telling when the very individuals constructing these apps refuse to let their youngsters have them,” Cox mentioned. “… They’re designed deliberately to just be sure you by no means put them down.”
Requiring age verification to create accounts is likely one of the most vital points Cox mentioned he needs to see the businesses tackle, along with a ban on platforms promoting youngsters’ information and tighter parental controls.
The lawsuits may come inside a month, however there isn’t any definitive timeline, Reyes mentioned.