Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media addiction lawsuit

A Los Angeles jury has delivered a landmark verdict against Meta and Google, finding both companies liable for contributing to social media addiction and its harmful impact on a young user’s mental health. 

The case, brought by a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley, marks a major moment in the ongoing legal scrutiny of Big Tech platforms.

After a five-week trial, jurors concluded that the companies intentionally designed addictive features on platforms including Instagram and YouTube. The jury assigned 70% responsibility to Meta and 30% to Google for the plaintiff’s psychological harm, citing prolonged exposure and engagement-driven algorithms.

The ruling is expected to influence hundreds of similar lawsuits currently progressing through U.S. courts, many of which accuse tech companies of prioritizing user engagement over mental health safeguards—particularly for younger audiences.

During the trial, Mark Zuckerberg testified before a jury for the first time. He defended Meta’s policies, including restrictions on users under 13, while acknowledging challenges in enforcement. Internal documents presented in court suggested the company was aware that underage users were still accessing its platforms.

Meta responded to the verdict by stating it “respectfully disagrees” and is reviewing legal options. Google has yet to issue a detailed response.

Legal experts say the decision could reshape how social media companies design their platforms and implement safety measures, especially as concerns grow around social media addiction, youth mental health, and digital well-being.