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The Lawyer Holding Big Tech Accountable by ‘Beating the Tar Out of Them’ in Court
Mark Lanier, whose legal team helped win the first social media addiction trial against Meta and Google, said lawsuits can pressure technology companies to change. He argued that cases brought by state attorneys general could bring greater financial consequences and broader changes than individual claims.
The March verdict awarded the plaintiff $6 million, a small sum compared with the companies’ resources. In a separate case brought by several states, Meta agreed to pay up to $16.7 billion to 51 states and territories and to introduce measures including a default two-hour daily limit for teenagers on Instagram and Facebook. Lanier said public awareness and pressure also matter because they can affect how people and employees view the companies.
In short
- Lanier says lawsuits can push tech firms towards change.
- A social media addiction verdict awarded $6 million.
- Meta agreed to a settlement of up to $16.7 billion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that lawsuits can make technology companies answer for harms that individual users may struggle to challenge alone. State-led cases can impose substantial financial costs and secure broad safeguards, while public scrutiny may encourage companies to change their practices and help protect young people.
The case against
Critics may argue that large settlements and court-ordered limits risk imposing broad rules through litigation rather than through evidence-based legislation, with less room for public debate or adjustment. They may also question whether a two-hour daily limit is effective or proportionate, and warn that legal pressure can constrain useful services without resolving the underlying causes of heavy social media use.