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Supreme Court Lets Vermont Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Against Meta Proceed

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, declined to hear Meta's appeal of a Vermont lawsuit that alleges Facebook and Instagram harmed young users, leaving the state suit in place.[1]

Meta had told the court it could not be sued in Vermont because Facebook and Instagram lack specific ties to the state.[1] Vermont said widespread teen use of the platforms gives the state jurisdiction.[1] Attorney General Charity Clark said the decision affirms that companies doing business in Vermont can be held accountable for harming kids.[1]

In 2023, Clark filed the lawsuit alleging Facebook and Instagram harmed young users.[1] A Vermont Supreme Court ruling had allowed the attorney general's suit to proceed, and the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal on Tuesday leaves that state-court ruling intact.[1]

  1. PBS
Courts and Legal Technology Regulation Children and Online Safety
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📌 Key Facts

  • On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta's appeal in a Vermont social media addiction case.
  • Meta had argued it could not be sued in Vermont because Facebook and Instagram lack specific ties to the state, while Vermont cited widespread teen use to claim jurisdiction.
  • The denial leaves in place a Vermont Supreme Court ruling that allowed the attorney general's 2023 lawsuit to proceed against Meta over alleged harms to young users.
  • Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said the decision affirms that companies doing business in Vermont can be held accountable for harming kids.

📰 Source Timeline (1)

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May 26, 2026
9:33 PM
Supreme Court rejects Meta's appeal in Vermont social media addiction case
PBS News by Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press