A jury orders $6 million in damages, marking a key moment in growing legal pressure on tech platforms
A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that harm young users, in a case that could shape thousands of similar lawsuits. The verdict orders Meta to pay $4.2 million and Google $1.8 million in damages.
The case focused on how platform design affects users. The plaintiff argued that features like infinite scroll made apps such as Instagram and YouTube addictive for young people. The jury agreed that both companies failed to warn users about potential risks linked to these designs.
The ruling is seen as a major test case.
It could influence many similar lawsuits already filed across the United States, where concerns about child safety on social media continue to grow. Several tech companies, including Snap and TikTok, were also part of the case but reached settlements earlier.
Meta and Google have said they will appeal the decision. Both companies continue to argue that existing laws protect platforms and that responsibility should not fall on design alone. However, analysts say the case could push companies to introduce stronger safety measures in the future.
The verdict comes as pressure builds on lawmakers and courts to regulate how social media platforms are designed for younger users.
(Image credit:Brett Jordan Pexels)
