Meta and YouTube Ordered to Pay 56 Crore in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case

In a landmark ruling, a Los Angeles jury has held Meta and YouTube responsible for contributing to social media addiction that allegedly harmed a minor. The case centered on claims that the platforms were deliberately designed to keep children engaged, leading to potential long-term damage. The victim, identified only by the initials KGM, was awarded six million dollars, approximately 56.4 crore rupees.

The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny on how social media platforms impact young users. During the proceedings, the plaintiff testified that they had created YouTube and Instagram accounts at ages eight and nine, respectively, and soon found themselves spending most of their time on Instagram. Lawyers argued that design choices like infinite scroll were intentionally used to maximize user engagement.

Before the trial began, other platforms mentioned in the original lawsuit, TikTok and Snap, settled with the plaintiff. However, Meta and YouTube fought the case in court and have since expressed disagreement with the ruling. A Meta spokesperson told Engadget that the company does not agree with the decision and is considering legal options. A Google spokesperson clarified that YouTube is a streaming platform, not a social media service, and that the company intends to appeal.

This verdict comes shortly after another legal blow to Meta. A court in New Mexico recently ordered the company to pay $375 million for misleading users regarding child safety, with the jury finding that Meta exposed children to harmful content and risks from predators.

The case drew significant attention because it is among the first to hold social media platforms legally accountable for the impact of their design on minors. During the hearing, Instagram head Adam Mosseri denied that people could become addicted to social media. However, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that in the company’s early years, the platform’s growth strategy deliberately aimed to increase the time teens spent on Instagram.

Under the jury’s ruling, Meta is required to pay 70 percent of the three million dollars in compensatory damages, with YouTube covering the remaining amount. In addition, the plaintiff will receive a separate three million dollars as punitive damages, emphasizing the seriousness of the verdict.

The decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over platform accountability and child safety online, signaling that social media companies may face increasing legal consequences for their design practices in the future.