Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media case

A Los Angeles jury dealt a major blow to Meta and Google yesterday in a closely watched social media case, finding both companies liable for designing their products to get young users addicted.

Catch up quick: The seven-week trial featured testimony from the plaintiff, 20-year-old Kaley G.M., alongside major execs like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

• Kaley said years of near-constant social media use—starting at age six—fueled severe body dysmorphia, self-harm, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
• She also argued the platforms were designed to keep her hooked, pointing to relentless notifications that made it hard to log off.

Meta and YouTube argued their platforms aim to give users something useful, not addict them, and pointed to existing safety features aimed at minors. Both plan to challenge the verdict, with YouTube arguing the case “misunderstands” how its platform works.

In the end, the jury sided with Kaley and awarded her $3 million in compensatory damages, plus an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Meta is responsible for 70% of the total, with Google covering the rest.

Why it’s a big deal

For decades, Section 230 has largely shielded social media companies from liability over user-published content. This case took a different route, targeting the design of the platforms themselves instead of what users post.

The favorable outcome for Kaley is expected to set a precedent for the 3,000+ other similar lawsuits against Meta, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok that are currently pending in California courts.

Zoom out: More than 40 state AGs have filed their own cases accusing social media companies of designing addictive platforms that harm minors. One such case in New Mexico received a verdict this week, with Meta ordered to pay $375 million for misleading consumers about the safety of its platforms and endangering children.

It marks the first time a state has won a trial against a major tech company for harming minors, per New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez.