Jury finds Meta and YouTube built ‘addiction machines’ that harmed a child, awards $3 million in landmark trial

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March 25, 2026, 8:39 PM

• •Meta and Google found liable for intentionally building addictive social media platforms.
• •The verdict awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and is the first of its kind.
• •Meta was found responsible for 70% of the harm, with YouTube for 30%.
• •The case is one of over 1,500 similar cases against social media companies.
• •The ruling may impact how social media platforms are built and regulated.

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable for building addictive social media platforms, awarding $3 million in damages to a young woman, marking the first such verdict in the US. The ruling held Meta responsible for 70% of the harm and YouTube for 30%, with potential punitive damages. The case, along with a separate verdict in New Mexico, signifies the first time juries have financially held social media companies liable for harm to young users. The verdict sets a precedent, potentially impacting over 1,500 similar cases and shifting the burden of proof in future trials.

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