Social Media Lawsuit: What’s Happening Now and What Clients Need to Know

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re continuing to fight on behalf of thousands of individuals and families across the country who have been harmed by the addictive nature of social media platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube.

If you’re one of the clients involved in this litigation, you may be wondering: Where does my case stand? Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening and what we need from you to keep your case moving forward.

Where Things Stand Right Now

There are two major lawsuits happening:

• A California State Case (JCCP): In June 2024, a California judge ruled that individuals can move forward with personal injury lawsuits against the social media companies. This means claims from people who say they were harmed by addictive features on social media platforms are being taken seriously. However, claims from school districts were dismissed.
• A Federal Case (MDL): Over 1,400 cases are being handled by a federal judge, with plaintiffs ranging from individuals to state attorneys general. In October 2024, the judge ruled that the cases can continue, including claims of negligence and fraud. This is a big deal—it shows that the court recognizes these platforms may have knowingly designed features that harm users, especially teens.
  
   

What’s Next?

We’re moving toward bellwether trials: a handful of cases that will be tried first to help determine how the rest might play out. The first trial is expected in November 2025. These early trials often influence whether companies decide to settle or keep fighting in court.

What You Need to Do

To keep your case active, there are a few important tasks we need you to complete as soon as possible:

1. Complete Your Client Questionnaire

If you haven’t done this yet, we can’t move forward with your case. If you need the form again, reach out to us right away.

2. Speak With Our Team

We may need a short phone call with you to gather details. Please call us at 1-844-256-4530 or email metalitigation@forthepeople.com to schedule this.

3. Fill Out Legal Documents

All clients must complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS) and a User Account Preservation Form. These forms collect important information about your social media use, mental health, and the evidence needed to support your claim.

These documents are required by the court, and missing deadlines can result in your case being dismissed. Don’t wait! If you need help, we’re here for you.

Remember: Keep Your Evidence Safe

Please don’t delete anything that might be related to your case. This includes:

• Social media accounts and messages (even if private)
• Texts, emails, photos, and videos
• Journal entries or notes about your mental health
• Old phones or devices you used to access social media—even if they’re broken

If you’re unsure whether something is important, save it anyway or contact us. We can help you figure it out.

Important Update About Snapchat Accounts

Snap Inc. has started freezing the accounts of plaintiffs involved in this lawsuit. If you’re a part of this case and your Snapchat account has been frozen, you will not be able to use it or create a new one. If you still have access, you should download any photos or videos you want to keep, but do not delete anything.

Snap says the freezes are temporary and meant to preserve evidence, but we believe they may also be intended to intimidate plaintiffs. We won’t let that happen. We're standing up to Snap and the other platforms to fight for what’s right.

A Few More Reminders

There are a few more things to keep in mind as we move forward:

• Don’t post about your case on social media. Assume anything you post may be seen or used in your case.
• Keep your contact info up to date. If your phone number, email, or address changes, tell us ASAP.
• Tell us if your health changes, even if you think it’s unrelated to your social media use.
• Tell us if you file for bankruptcy, as it could affect your case.