LOS ANGELES: A jury in Los Angeles has found Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that harm young users, in a landmark $6 million verdict that could influence thousands of similar lawsuits.
The case, seen as a key test trial, awarded $4.2 million in damages against Meta and $1.8 million against Google. While the amounts are relatively small for two of the world’s largest tech companies, the ruling is being viewed as a significant legal precedent. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a 20-year-old woman, identified in court as Kaley, who argued that she became addicted to platforms such as Instagram and YouTube at a young age. Her legal team highlighted features like “infinite scroll,” claiming these designs were intentionally created to keep users engaged and contributed to mental health issues.
Jurors concluded that both companies failed to adequately warn users about potential risks and were negligent in the design of their platforms. The plaintiff’s lawyers described the verdict as a turning point for accountability in the tech industry. Meta and Google have rejected the decision and announced plans to appeal.
The case comes amid growing criticism in the United States over the impact of social media on children and teenagers. While federal legislation has stalled, multiple states have introduced laws regulating youth access to social platforms, including age verification requirements and restrictions on phone use in schools.Legal experts say the focus on platform design—rather than user-generated content—may make it more difficult for tech companies to rely on existing legal protections.
The trial also revealed internal documents and testimony, including from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, about efforts to attract younger users. Lawyers for the plaintiff argued that profit was prioritized over safety, while defense teams pointed to other factors, including the plaintiff’s personal circumstances.
Separate cases against major tech firms, including additional trials involving social media platforms, are expected to proceed later this year in California courts, signaling that the legal battle over child safety online is far from over.
