Meta and YouTube found liable in landmark social media addiction trial

Meta and Google have been found liable in a landmark trial centered on allegations that their social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive. The five-week trial examined whether the companies' product features and algorithms were engineered to maximize user engagement at the expense of public health, particularly among younger users. The verdict represents a significant legal precedent in holding major tech companies accountable for the addictive mechanisms embedded in their platforms. The ruling could expose Meta and Google to substantial damages and set a template for similar litigation against social media firms. The case underscores growing regulatory and legal pressure on tech giants over the documented mental health impacts of social media use.