Last week’s landmark court rulings against Meta and YouTube could fundamentally change how social media platforms operate—and what they’re responsible for.
On Fox 5 New York, tech expert Shelly Palmer (Professor of Advanced Media at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School) breaks down why these decisions are such a big deal. For the first time, courts are signaling that platforms may be liable not just for content—but for the algorithms that power engagement, including autoplay, recommendations, and “doomscrolling.”
For decades, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has shielded platforms from liability. But these rulings challenge that protection, arguing that the design of social media itself—not just user content—may be harmful, especially to children.
Is this the “tobacco moment” for social media? With over 2,400 similar cases pending across the U.S. and new laws emerging globally (including age restrictions in Australia), regulators—and parents—are paying close attention.
Shelly also explains:
Why these rulings could reshape the business model of Big Tech
What happens next (appeals are inevitable)
Why parental responsibility still matters more than ever
Original Airdate: March 31, 2026
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it. This work was created with the assistance of various generative AI models.