Social media scandals and the trend of tightening censorship

Many popular social media platforms today have been involved in scandals related to unlawful data collection, the dissemination of harmful content, and threats to user safety, particularly for minors. In the United States, Meta Platforms – the company that owns Facebook and Instagram – was sued by more than 30 states in 2023, alleging that these platforms have caused negative impacts on young users. According to the complaints, Meta is alleged to have used content recommendation mechanisms and continuous engagement features to retain users, including repeatedly displaying content that may affect psychological well-being, such as body image, violence, or other negative themes. Representatives of the states argue that prolonged exposure to such content may contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and mental health issues among adolescents.

Not limited to state-level lawsuits, Meta Platforms has recently also been involved in civil litigation in the United States. In March 2026, a jury delivered a verdict in a case regarded as the first trial concerning the issue of “social media addiction.” Specifically, the family of a teenage girl (K.G.M.) stated that she had used Facebook/Instagram from a very young age, continuously over an extended period, and had repeatedly been exposed to negative content, thereby experiencing serious psychological health problems, including depression and self-harm behaviors. These harms are considered to be the basis for families filing lawsuits against Meta and related platforms. The plaintiffs argue that the manner in which content is operated and displayed on the platforms may increase the level of usage, thereby leading to negative impacts on young users. The case is viewed as a notable milestone, as it marks the first time arguments concerning the “addictive nature” of social media have been examined within a litigation process in the United States. In the same case, the platform YouTube was also brought under consideration for liability, and the jury accepted part of the plaintiffs’ claims.

Alongside Meta Platforms, several other platforms have also faced similar issues, albeit in different aspects. Snap Inc. – the operator of the Snapchat application, a messaging and image-sharing platform popular among young people in the United States – has been sued by the Texas Attorney General on allegations of misleading parents regarding the platform’s level of safety, while failing to implement adequate protective measures for underage users. According to the complaint, Snapchat allows users to send messages and images that automatically disappear after being viewed or after a short period of time. This feature, according to the plaintiffs, makes it difficult to retain and control content, thereby increasing the risk that children may be exposed to inappropriate content or exploited by malicious actors for grooming or harassment without leaving clear traces.

Meanwhile, TikTok has repeatedly been investigated by regulatory authorities in the United States and Europe in relation to the collection and processing of user data, including that of minors, as well as the risk of distributing inappropriate content through content recommendation mechanisms. As for Discord, a widely used group messaging and video-calling application, the platform has also been criticized for allowing the existence of private groups that may be exploited to disseminate harmful content, facilitate cyberbullying, or approach children, thereby posing challenges for content control and monitoring.

In response to concerns over harmful content and risks to young users, many countries have begun to shift from a recommendation-based approach to imposing specific legal obligations on social media platforms. In Europe, the European Commission has implemented a series of measures to strengthen content control and user protection, most notably the Digital Services Act (DSA). Under this framework, large online platforms are required to assess and mitigate content-related risks, including risks of harm to minors, while assuming greater responsibility for controlling illegal or negatively impactful content. In practice, several social media platforms have been investigated by regulatory authorities in Europe and required to provide explanations regarding compliance with these obligations. Notably, TikTok has been subject to a fine of up to 345 million euros under EU data protection rules in relation to the processing of minors’ personal data.

In addition, Europe is also promoting technical solutions to support law enforcement, notably the deployment of age verification applications, which allow users to prove their age when accessing online services without providing excessive personal data. This approach demonstrates a trend toward integrating technology and law in the regulation of the digital environment.

In the United States, although there is not yet a unified federal law similar to the Digital Services Act (DSA), regulatory agencies and legislative bodies have increased pressure on platforms through investigations, hearings, and legislative proposals related to child protection and user data. Several bills have been introduced to restrict data collection from underage users, as well as to require platforms to design their products in a safer manner. In parallel, civil litigation and legal actions from states are also becoming important tools to compel technology companies to change their modes of operation.

Meanwhile, China has adopted a stricter control-oriented approach, as the Cyberspace Administration of China has issued regulations to control online content, including content generated by artificial intelligence, while also restricting services and designs that may be addictive for young users.

These measures indicate an increasingly evident trend of regulatory intervention, aimed at establishing specific limits on the operation of platforms in the digital environment. A common feature of these approaches is the shift from corporate self-regulation to specific legal obligations that can be subject to oversight and enforcement in cases of violation.