Oakland, California – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is at the center of a legal battle regarding allegations that social media platforms have contributed to children’s addiction to social media. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against both Meta and Zuckerberg personally by parents and schools, claiming that their actions have had a detrimental impact on children’s well-being.
Zuckerberg is seeking to have himself removed from the lawsuits, arguing that as an individual, he should not be held personally liable for the corporation’s actions. His legal team emphasizes the distinction between his role as an executive and his individual liability, a common principle in corporate law.
While executives are generally protected from personal liability under the “corporate veil,” exceptions exist, such as in cases of criminal acts or gross negligence. The plaintiffs allege that Zuckerberg had a duty to disclose information regarding the risks of social media for children and that failure to do so could result in personal liability.
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has acknowledged the possibility that Zuckerberg could be held accountable if it is determined that Meta was obligated to disclose information but failed to do so. This case could set a precedent for future lawsuits involving CEOs of social media companies.
Experts in the field of online safety and parental controls have weighed in on the matter, suggesting that if Zuckerberg was aware of the harms caused by social media platforms to children and did not take appropriate action, he should be held personally liable. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the tech industry and how executives are held accountable for the impact of their platforms on users.