social media platforms

A German court has ruled that Meta can be held liable for fraudulent advertisements run on Facebook and Instagram, a decision with potentially wide consequences for how platforms police paid content. The ruling challenges the long-standing practice of platforms disclaiming responsibility for ads, and is being closely watched across Europe as regulators and consumer advocates press for stronger accountability from major social media companies.

The first US lawsuit over TikTok to reach trial will examine claims that the platform's design contributed to a teen mental health crisis. The case is seen as a test of whether courts will hold social media companies liable for harms to young users, with broader implications for pending litigation against other platforms.

Alex Gibney's documentary 'Musk', due out October 9, is being blocked from paid promotion online. Distributor Bleecker Street says YouTube, TikTok and Meta all rejected ads for the film's trailer, citing 'political' content, while X has refused to respond to inquiries. The distributor is appealing the rejections as the release date approaches.

A high-profile Japanese anime voice actor has taken TikTok to court, alleging the platform hosted videos featuring an artificial intelligence clone of his voice without his consent. The case highlights growing tension between voice performers and AI companies over unauthorised replication of their voices, and could set a precedent for how Japanese law treats voice rights in the age of generative AI.

The WNBA playoffs are underway, with the league's top teams opening first-round series as fans and analysts debate title contenders. Discussion is focused on key matchups, star players' postseason performances, and which franchises have the best shot at the championship. The start of the playoffs is drawing broad attention across sports media and social platforms as the postseason bracket takes shape.

Major social media platforms are refusing to run paid advertisements promoting a documentary about Elon Musk. The refusal means the film's distributors cannot buy promotional placements on the very companies the documentary examines. Details about which platforms declined the ads and their stated reasons were not immediately available, but the decision adds to ongoing scrutiny of how these companies handle content about Musk and their own executives.

A new essay published by MIT Press Reader argues that proposed bans on teen social media use fail to address the real problems behind concerns about young people's wellbeing online. The piece is drawing attention among readers debating whether age restrictions or structural changes to platform design are the better response to worries about adolescent mental health.

The New York Times has published a report examining the growing volume and influence of political content circulating online, particularly as digital platforms increasingly shape how Americans encounter political news and commentary ahead of major elections. The piece looks at how political messaging spreads across the internet and what it means for voters and media consumption.

The European Union is moving to restrict social media use for children under 15. The proposal would set a bloc-wide minimum age for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, part of growing EU efforts to protect minors online. Officials argue age limits are needed to address risks to children's mental health and safety, though enforcement and the response of major platforms remain key questions.

The European Union says it will stand firm against Elon Musk's social media platform X after the United States backed a legal challenge to EU content rules. The dispute centers on the EU's Digital Services Act enforcement against X, and Brussels insists it will defend its regulatory authority in court despite Washington's intervention.

TikTok has agreed to pay more than $100 million to settle a lawsuit over its impact on users' mental health, according to Alabama's attorney general. The settlement, reported by NewsNation and The Hill, is drawing attention as US states continue legal action against social media companies over harms to young people.

Meta is presenting artificial intelligence as a way to address a long-standing trust problem with its platforms, arguing that public concerns about the company are often misunderstood. The move comes as scrutiny of social media companies' handling of misinformation, privacy and content moderation remains intense.

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama $100 million to settle a lawsuit alleging the company designed its platform to be addictive, particularly for young users. The settlement marks another legal setback for the social media company as US states continue pressing tech firms over the mental health effects of their products on children and teenagers.

Alabama teenagers are set to receive their own version of TikTok as part of a sweeping $100 million deal, according to Fox Business. Details about who is funding the initiative, what the app will offer, and how it will differ from the popular short-video platform have not been disclosed, but the announcement is drawing attention as states weigh responses to TikTok's prominence among young users.