Meta and Google found liable for addictive social media design
A Los Angeles court found Meta and Google liable for negligently designing Instagram and YouTube with addictive features such as infinite scroll without adequately warning users of risks. A young woman identified as KGM won a $3 million settlement after alleging the platforms caused her anxiety and depression during childhood, establishing precedent for thousands of similar claims in the U.S.
What happened
A Los Angeles court found Meta and Google liable for negligence in designing their social media platforms Instagram and YouTube. The platforms were designed with features such as infinite scroll intended to keep users engaged on their screens without adequately warning users of the risks, particularly for minors.
Reported impact
A young user identified as KGM alleged she suffered from anxiety and depression caused by using Instagram and YouTube during childhood. The verdict is described as unprecedented and creates precedent for thousands of other claimants in the United States accusing large platforms of responsibility for a social media addiction epidemic.
Governance controls
Meta stated it disagreed with the verdict and was evaluating legal options available. Google stated it disagreed with the verdict and intended to appeal, arguing that YouTube is a streaming platform built responsibly and not a social media platform.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.