The decision rejected efforts by Meta and TikTok to halt the cases, finding Section 230 does not automatically block lawsuits. The claims allege platforms encouraged compulsive use, exposed children to harmful content and failed to verify users’ ages.

The allegations, brought by state and local governments as well as individual families, have not yet been tested at trial and are denied or contested by the companies. In a separate case, four state attorneys general are seeking about $1.4 trillion in penalties from Meta, alleging the company misled the public about platform safety while prioritising user engagement and revenue.