Meta and Google Found Liable in Social Media Youth Addiction Trial — What the Verdict Means

TLDR

• A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable for designing platforms harmful to kids and teens
• Meta was ordered to pay $4.2 million and Google $1.8 million in damages
• The plaintiff, known as Kaley, said Instagram and YouTube addiction began before she was a teen
• Both companies plan to appeal the verdict
• Snap and TikTok settled before the trial began

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A Los Angeles jury ruled on March 25 that Meta and Google were negligent in designing platforms that harmed children and teens. The jury ordered Meta to pay $4.2 million and Google $1.8 million to the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman known as Kaley.

Kaley testified that she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube at a young age due to the apps’ attention-grabbing design. She said the addiction dominated her life for years and contributed to mental health issues.

The jury found both companies failed to warn users about the dangers of their platforms. The case focused on platform design rather than content, which made it harder for the companies to avoid liability.

Meta said it disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing legal options. Google said it plans to appeal. Both companies defended their decisions throughout the trial.

Despite the verdict, shares of Meta closed up 0.3% and Alphabet finished 0.2% higher on the day of the ruling.

Background on the Case

The case was heard in Los Angeles. Snap and TikTok were originally named as defendants but both settled before the trial started. The terms of those settlements were not disclosed.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified during the trial. He was asked about a decision to lift a temporary ban on beauty filters that some Meta employees had warned could harm teen girls. Zuckerberg said he allowed it so users could express themselves.

Jurors reviewed internal documents showing how Meta and Google worked to attract younger users.

Meta’s lawyers argued the plaintiff’s difficult home life was the cause of her mental health struggles. YouTube argued her use of the platform was minimal.

More Cases Ahead

A separate federal case brought by several states and school districts is expected to go to trial this summer in Oakland, California.

Another state trial is set to begin in Los Angeles in July. That case will involve Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.

A New Mexico jury also ruled against Meta on Tuesday, finding the company violated state law in a case brought by the state’s attorney general over child safety on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

At least 20 US states passed laws last year related to children’s social media use. Congress has not passed any federal legislation on the issue.

Meta has said it expects capital spending of $115 to $135 billion in 2026. Alphabet has projected spending of $175 to $185 billion this year.

The New Mexico verdict against Meta came just one day before the Los Angeles jury delivered its ruling.

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