In a significant legal development, a Los Angeles judge has ruled that a lawsuit against Snapchat maker Snap, blaming the social media platform for a series of drug overdoses among young people, can proceed. The lawsuit, filed by family members related to children and teens who overdosed on fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, alleges that Snapchat facilitated illicit drug deals involving the substance.
Represented by the Social Media Victims Law Center, the parents and family members claim that Snap executives were aware that Snapchat’s design, including disappearing messages, created an online haven for the sale of illegal narcotics. Fentanyl, often sold disguised as other substances, is known for its extreme potency and potential lethality in even small doses.
Snapchat has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that it is actively working with law enforcement to combat drug dealing on its platform. However, the ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff rejected Snap’s attempt to have the case dismissed. While Riff dismissed four counts against Snap, he overruled the company’s efforts to dismiss more than 10 others, including charges of negligence and wrongful death.
Snap had sought protection under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a law shielding online platforms from liability for user-generated content. The judge, however, did not outright conclude that Section 230 should protect Snap, stating that the law’s application in this case is unclear and subject to ongoing legal development.
The ruling underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by social media platforms over their role in facilitating illegal activities and the potential legal consequences. The case will likely prompt further debate on the extent of platforms’ responsibility for the content and activities taking place on their networks.
