The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has made a landmark decision in the ongoing legal battle between tech giants Apple, Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and a group of plaintiffs who claim they were harmed by casino apps hosted on the companies’ platforms.
The case, which has been making headlines for the past several years, revolves around allegations that the tech companies were complicit in allowing casino apps to operate on their platforms, despite knowing that these apps were facilitating illegal gambling activities and causing harm to users.
In a unanimous decision, the 9th Circuit dismissed the appeals made by Apple, Google, and Meta, effectively upholding a lower court’s ruling that the tech companies could be held liable for damages caused by the casino apps.
The court’s decision comes as a blow to the tech giants, who have long argued that they are merely hosting platforms and should not be held responsible for the content or activities of third-party apps. However, the plaintiffs in the case argued that the tech companies were actively profiting from the casino apps and therefore should be held liable for any harm caused.
In its ruling, the 9th Circuit emphasized that the tech companies had knowledge of the illegal gambling activities taking place on their platforms and therefore could be held liable under the law.
The decision has far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole, as it sets a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for the content and activities hosted on their platforms. It also underscores the growing scrutiny that tech companies are facing over their role in regulating harmful and illegal content on their platforms.
In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Apple, Google, and Meta issued a statement expressing disappointment with the decision and vowing to explore all legal options moving forward.
The plaintiffs in the case, however, hailed the court’s decision as a victory for consumer protection and accountability in the tech industry. They hope that the ruling will set a precedent for holding tech companies responsible for the harm caused by the apps hosted on their platforms.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how tech companies will adapt their policies and practices in light of the court’s ruling. One thing is certain: the 9th Circuit’s decision in this case will have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and its regulation of third-party content on their platforms.
