Buffalo, New York – Reddit and Google’s YouTube are facing lawsuits after a New York state judge’s ruling that holds them accountable for aiding a white supremacist in a racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo. The judge’s decision allows 25 plaintiffs, including store employees and customers who witnessed the tragedy, to pursue claims against the social media platforms for allegedly contributing to the incident.
The plaintiffs allege that Reddit and YouTube were aware of the content on their platforms that could radicalize and addict users, ultimately leading to the deadly shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in May 2022. Both companies argued that they were not responsible under federal law or the First Amendment, but the judge disagreed, citing the platforms’ potential role in causing harm.
Justice Paula Feroleto emphasized the mental distress suffered by witnesses of the attack as a valid reason for negligence claims against Reddit and YouTube. In response, Reddit stated that hate and violence have no place on their platform and that they are committed to removing such content. YouTube expressed disagreement with the ruling and announced plans to appeal while extending sympathies to the victims and their families.
The lawsuits, filed by Everytown Law, a gun control advocacy group, aim to hold all parties involved in preparing and equipping the shooter accountable. In addition to Reddit and YouTube, defendants include Alphabet, Google, retailers who allegedly sold equipment to the perpetrator, and his parents. The perpetrator, Payton Gendron, pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty in a separate federal case against Gendron.
The case raises questions about the responsibility of online platforms in preventing violence and hate speech. It also highlights the legal challenges surrounding social media companies’ liability for the actions of their users. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving similar circumstances and may impact how online platforms address harmful content on their sites. The pursuit of justice for the victims and their families remains at the forefront of this legal battle.