Home / Crime and Justice / Jury Holds Meta, Google Accountable for Child Addiction
Jury Holds Meta, Google Accountable for Child Addiction
27 Mar
Summary
- Jury found Meta and Google liable for $6 million in damages.
- Apps like Instagram and YouTube are designed to get children addicted.
- Ruling marks first time social media company held liable for malice.
In a groundbreaking verdict, a jury has held Meta and Google liable for $6 million, finding their social media platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, intentionally designed to foster addiction in children. This ruling, on March 25, is the first instance of a social media company being declared liable for knowingly and maliciously harming a child.
The lawsuit centered on allegations that the platforms' designs contribute to addiction. While the specific case involved a 20-year-old woman's long-term struggles with YouTube and Instagram, the verdict resonated deeply with parents who have experienced the loss of children due to online interactions. Many see this as a critical step toward demanding greater accountability and safety measures from tech giants.
Meta was ordered to pay 70% of the damages, with Google responsible for the remaining 30%. TikTok and Snap had previously settled. Both Meta and Google have stated their intention to appeal, with Google asserting YouTube is a streaming platform, not social media, and Meta emphasizing the complexity of teen mental health.
Parents, like Jordan DeMay's father, who lost his son to suicide after a cyberbullying incident orchestrated through social media, have long advocated for change. This verdict fuels their ongoing fight for safer online environments for young people.
