The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Snap Inc. and other social media firms on August 11, 2026.
The court ordered the companies to face thousands of lawsuits filed by school districts, municipalities, and individuals. Plaintiffs allege the tech firms designed and marketed addictive platforms that harmed young users.
The court rejected a dismissal request based on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Judges clarified that Section 230 serves as a liability defense rather than total immunity from being sued.
This ruling forces Snap and its peers into a potentially costly legal battle over product design and societal impact.