A U.S. jury has ruled that Meta and YouTube are liable for harm caused by addictive features on their platforms, in a landmark decision that could reshape legal challenges against social media companies.
The case was brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as «KGM,» who argued that prolonged use of Instagram and YouTube from a young age contributed to serious mental health issues, including depression, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts.
Jurors found both companies negligent in the design and operation of their platforms and concluded they failed to adequately warn users about potential risks. Responsibility was split, with Meta assigned 70% of the liability and YouTube 30%.
The court awarded a total of $6 mln in damages, including $3 mln in compensatory damages and $3 mln in punitive damages. Jurors also determined the companies acted with «malice or oppression,» leading to additional penalties.
The decision follows weeks of testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom, where senior executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, defended their platforms. Both companies have said they plan to appeal the verdict.
The case focused not on user-generated content but on how platforms are designed to drive engagement. Legal experts say the ruling could set a precedent, potentially opening the door to further lawsuits from families, schools and regulators concerned about the impact of social media on young users.
The verdict comes amid growing scrutiny of the tech industry, as policymakers and courts increasingly examine the effects of digital platforms on mental health and youth behavior.
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