YouTube Argues It Isn't Social Media in Landmark Tech Addiction Trial
In a landmark trial addressing tech addiction, YouTube is arguing that it should not be categorized as a social media platform. The Google-owned video service contends that its primary function is content consumption rather than social networking, a distinction that could have significant legal and regulatory implications if the court agrees.
The trial represents one of the most significant legal challenges to major tech platforms over their impact on young users' mental health and well-being. Plaintiffs allege that platforms like YouTube are designed with addictive features that harm children and teenagers. By arguing it is fundamentally different from social media networks, YouTube is attempting to distance itself from the broader industry criticism and potentially shield itself from regulations targeting social platforms. The outcome could set precedent for how courts and lawmakers define and regulate different types of online platforms going forward.
The trial represents one of the most significant legal challenges to major tech platforms over their impact on young users' mental health and well-being. Plaintiffs allege that platforms like YouTube are designed with addictive features that harm children and teenagers. By arguing it is fundamentally different from social media networks, YouTube is attempting to distance itself from the broader industry criticism and potentially shield itself from regulations targeting social platforms. The outcome could set precedent for how courts and lawmakers define and regulate different types of online platforms going forward.