Meta's legal defeat could be a victory for children, or a loss for everyone

Two US juries have held Meta liable for hundreds of millions of dollars in damages resulting from its platforms causing harm to minors. These verdicts mark a significant shift in the role of social media companies as intermediaries, and may pave the way for similar lawsuits against other major tech firms. The decision is seen as a major blow to Section 230’s “safe harbor” protections, which have long shielded online platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, many argue that it highlights the need for greater accountability among tech companies in their efforts to safeguard young users and prevent harm.