A Los Angeles jury found Alphabet's Google and Meta liable for $3 million in damages in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit. The verdict, following a five-week trial, could influence thousands of similar cases pending against social media platforms.
Landmark jury verdict against Meta and Google
- ▪A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit, ordering the companies to pay US$6 million in damages, including US$3 million in punitive damages
- ▪The Los Angeles social media addiction case involves a 20-year-old woman who said she became addicted to the apps at a young age
Broader legal implications and pending cases
- ▪The Los Angeles social media addiction lawsuit outcome could influence thousands of similar cases against Meta and Google brought by parents, attorneys general and school districts
Youth social media usage and addiction concerns
- ▪At least half of American teenagers use YouTube or Instagram daily, according to the Pew Research Centre
Perspective of Meta and Google
- ▪Meta and Google plan to appeal the $3 million damages verdict in the Los Angeles social media addiction lawsuit
- ▪Meta and Google argue their platforms include parental controls and safety features to protect young users
Perspective of Parents and advocacy groups
- ▪Parents bringing social media addiction lawsuits argue that platforms deliberately design features to maximize youth engagement and screen time
- ▪The Los Angeles jury verdict against Meta and Google represents a breakthrough for families seeking accountability from social media companies
Perspective of Legal experts and plaintiffs' attorneys
- ▪The Los Angeles social media addiction verdict could establish legal precedent for holding tech platforms liable for youth mental health harms
- ▪Attorneys representing social media addiction plaintiffs view the $3 million verdict as a signal that juries are willing to find tech companies responsible for design choices
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