Meta, Google lose US case over social media harm to kids

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that harm young people, resulting in a $6 million verdict on Wednesday. The case marks a significant legal victory for plaintiffs arguing that the tech giants knowingly created addictive features targeting minors despite understanding the psychological risks. The ruling is expected to serve as a bellwether for dozens of similar lawsuits pending against the companies, potentially opening the door to substantial liability. Tech companies have faced intensifying scrutiny over child safety in recent years as evidence has mounted linking social media use to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in teenagers. The verdict signals that juries may be receptive to arguments that platforms prioritized engagement and profits over the well-being of younger users.