This could be a groundbreaking settlement from the United States.
Google’s YouTube has settled a lawsuit brought by a young user who claimed the platform damaged his mental health, his lawyers have confirmed.
This comes ahead of a second California trial over social media’s role in the youth mental health crisis.
The terms of the settlement of the state court lawsuit were confidential, the lawyers said.
The suit named four defendants — the corporate owners of YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok — and the remaining three companies are still set to face trial in July.
Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that the lawsuit had been amicably resolved.
“Our focus remains on building age-appropriate products and parental controls that deliver on that promise,” Mr Castaneda said.
John Morgan and Emily Jeffcott, lawyers for the plaintiff, known by his initials R.K.C., released a statement, vowing to continue the fight for “justice”.
“YouTube’s decision to resolve this case before having to face a jury speaks for itself.”
“We will continue fighting on behalf of all those affected by social media addiction to bring these companies to justice and compel them to prioritise the safety of their young users over their bottom lines.”
R.K.C., a 16-year-old boy from Florida, said he started using social media when he was about eight, according to court filings.
He became addicted to it, losing sleep and suffering from depression and anxiety, according to court records.
With reporting by Reuters