The lawsuits, filed in 2021, allege that the companies facilitated access to gambling apps that were addictive and harmful to users.
Apple, Google, and Meta Platforms are facing lawsuits in the United States over their roles in hosting and promoting gambling applications on their platforms. The lawsuits allege that these tech companies have facilitated access to illegal gambling services, leading to financial harm for users.
The cases are currently under legal review, with discussions focusing on the extent of the companies’ responsibilities and potential liabilities in relation to the content available through their app stores and platforms.
A federal judge in San Jose, California, has ruled that the lawsuits against Apple, Google, and Meta can proceed. The plaintiffs claim that the companies promoted illegal gambling by hosting and accepting commissions from casino-style apps that allegedly led to user addiction. The tech giants had argued for immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability over third-party content. However, the judge rejected this defense, stating that the companies’ role in processing payments and collecting commissions made them potentially liable.
The lawsuits, filed in 2021, allege that the companies facilitated access to gambling apps that were addictive and harmful to users. The plaintiffs claim that the companies participated in a racketeering scheme by brokering transactions and taking up to 30% in commissions, totaling an estimated $2 billion. While some claims were dismissed, most consumer protection claims (outside of California) were allowed to proceed. The judge permitted an immediate appeal due to the significance of the Section 230 interpretation.
The cases are being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The outcome of these lawsuits could have significant implications for the tech industry, particularly regarding the extent of platform responsibility for third-party content and activities conducted through their services.
As of now, Apple, Google, and Meta have not publicly commented on the ruling. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and further developments are anticipated as the cases progress through the courts.
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