How Maynard v. Snapchat, a 2016 lawsuit linked to a car crash involving Snapchat's speed filter, sparked social media's legal reckoning over user safety

Social media platforms now face direct liability for features that encourage risky user behavior.

In 2016, Christal McGee, a then 18-year-old, was driving at 113 mph in a 55 mph zone while using Snapchat's "speed filter." The filter allegedly showed her traveling at that speed. Following a car crash that severely injured a passenger, the passenger's family sued Snapchat (now Snap Inc.) and McGee. The lawsuit argued that Snapchat was liable for encouraging dangerous driving by offering a feature that rewarded users for achieving high speeds. A Georgia appeals court initially dismissed the case against Snapchat, ruling the company couldn't be held liable for user actions. However, the Georgia Supreme Court later revived the lawsuit, allowing it to proceed against Snapchat, citing that the company was aware of the dangers of its speed filter and had continued to promote it.

The Georgia Supreme Court's decision in Maynard v. Snapchat marks a significant shift in platform liability, moving beyond the protections previously afforded by Section 230. This ruling suggests that social media companies can be held accountable if they are aware that their product features actively encourage dangerous activities, and continue to promote them despite that knowledge. The case signals a new era where the design and promotion of features, not just user-generated content, will be scrutinized for their potential harm.

This development will likely compel social media companies to reassess the safety implications of their features, potentially leading to a wave of redesigns or feature removals. Expect increased legal scrutiny and regulatory pressure on platforms whose features could incentivize unsafe behavior, from driving at high speeds to other forms of risk-taking. Companies will need to proactively implement robust safety checks and balance user engagement with public safety concerns.