Mark Zuckerberg's Meta has been fined $375m: What this means for social media

·31 min·3 clips

Courts now say social media causes real harm—who becomes responsible: the platforms or everyone in the ecosystem?

The episode begins by framing recent court rulings as a shift from debate to legal accountability for social media harm. Host Keith Shaw introduces guest Lisa Stroman, a lawyer and clinical psychologist with expertise in digital issues. Stroman details two significant cases: a New Mexico Attorney General case resulting in a $375 million fine for remediation, and a California bellwether case with an individual award. She explains these rulings as a tipping point, moving from opinion to evidence-based accountability. The discussion compares social media liability to historical precedents like tobacco and opioids. Shaw and Stroman explore broader implications, including potential risks for advertisers who fund these platforms, with examples like Oreo ads appearing near harmful content. They delve into the role of algorithms, noting Mark Zuckerberg's 2016 admission about manipulating user emotions. The conversation addresses parental responsibility, with Stroman arguing that blaming parents was a strategic business decision by platforms. She emphasizes that parents cannot out-parent trillion-dollar algorithms. Shaw shares personal anecdotes about his teenagers' social media use, and Stroman suggests educating children about platform intentions. The episode touches on school smartphone bans and declining educational outcomes linked to device use. Stroman highlights peer insights, noting that teenagers often advise against social media for younger siblings. She discusses corporate roles, such as brands sponsoring healthier alternatives through initiatives like her Digital Citizen Academy. Legal strategies are examined, including circumventing Section 230 through product liability claims. Stroman expresses optimism about the rulings' durability, citing internal documents and whistleblower testimony. The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners, like supporting Section 230 sunsetting and engaging with policymakers.

As heard by us

A liability debate shaped by algorithms, personalization, and responsibility.

This Today in Tech conversation stays tightly centered on liability, weighing whether social media platforms alone should bear responsibility for harm or whether companies that rely on them should share it.

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Why you'd press play

For the moment when recent court rulings make platform responsibility feel real.

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