A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through the addictive design of their platforms, awarding $3 million in compensatory damages. The verdict, reached after a six-week trial, is the first of its kind in the United States and could influence thousands of similar lawsuits. Jurors determined the companies were negligent and failed to warn users about the potential for addiction.
In a separate case, a New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million, finding the company prioritized profits over the safety of children and concealed known harmful effects of its apps. This verdict marks the first time a US state has successfully sued Meta over child safety issues, signaling a potential shift in accountability for tech companies.
The trials focused on claims that the platforms intentionally designed features to hook young users, leading to mental health distress. Jurors also found the companies acted with malice, paving the way for additional punitive damages. The outcomes are considered “historic” and may set a precedent for holding social media companies responsible for the well-being of their users.