A California jury has found Meta and YouTube liable for negligence and failing to warn users about platform risks in a landmark social media addiction trial, ordering $3 million in compensatory damages.
Case Background
- Kaley, now 20, and her mother sued Meta, Google's YouTube, Snap, and TikTok.
- They accused the platforms of intentionally addicting Kaley as a child, leading to anxiety, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts.
- Snap and TikTok settled the case before trial.
Jury Verdict
- After a seven-week trial in Los Angeles Superior Court and over eight days of deliberations, the jury found Meta and YouTube played a substantial factor in harming Kaley's mental health.
- The companies were ordered to pay $3 million in compensatory damages; punitive damages could be added later.
Reactions and Responses
- Kaley attended the verdict hearing, along with parents of other teens allegedly harmed by social media.
- A Meta spokesperson stated: "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options."
- CNN has reached out to Google, YouTube's parent company, for comment.
- Meta and YouTube had denied the lawsuit's claims, arguing their platforms are not addictive and highlighting safety features like parental oversight tools and teen content restrictions.
Implications
- The decision is seen as a landmark that could set a precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits against tech firms.
- It may drive significant changes in how social media platforms operate, particularly for young users.
- This is a developing story; updates will be provided as they become available.