US Court: Social Media Not Liable for Racist Buffalo Shooting

Social Media Immunity Upheld in Buffalo Mass Shooting Case

A New York appeals court has ruled that social media companies cannot be held liable for the 2022 racist mass shooting in Buffalo that killed ten Black Americans. The decision overturns a lower court ruling that had allowed the lawsuit to proceed.

Platforms Protected by Section 230

The court determined that Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google (YouTube), Reddit, and other platforms are protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This federal law grants immunity to online platforms for content posted by third-party users.

Victims' Families Arguments Rejected

Families of victims and survivors had argued that the shooter was radicalized through content on these platforms. They claimed algorithms promoted extremist content and white supremacist ideology that motivated the attack.

Split Decision Highlights Legal Debate

The 3-2 ruling revealed deep judicial division. The majority opinion stated that holding platforms liable would "lead to the end of the internet as we know it." Dissenting judges countered that platforms actively promote engagement with harmful content through their design.

Attack Details and Aftermath

In May 2022, an 18-year-old gunman live-streamed his attack on a Buffalo supermarket using Twitch. He specifically targeted Black shoppers, killing ten people before being apprehended. The shooter was later sentenced to life without parole in state court.

President Biden visited the site days after the attack, calling white supremacy "poison" and labeling the shooting "horrific and despicable." A separate federal case against the shooter continues, where he could face the death penalty.