Snapchat Lawsuit Over Fentanyl Deaths Proceeds Despite Section 230 Defense

Judge Lawrence Riff allows the case to move forward, potentially signaling a shift in the application of Section 230 protections.

Snapchat's parent company, Snap, is facing a lawsuit from families of children and teens who overdosed on fentanyl, accusing the social media company of facilitating illicit drug deals.
Snap had attempted to have the case dismissed, citing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability for user-generated content.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff rejected Snap's effort to dismiss the case, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.
Judge Riff dismissed four counts against Snap but overruled the company’s efforts to throw out more than 10 others, including negligence and wrongful death.
The ruling could signal a change in how Section 230’s protections are applied, potentially impacting other social media companies.