tech

Meta and YouTube found liable on all charges in landmark social media addiction trial

Updated on: March 25, 2026 / 7:38 PM EDT / CBS News

Meta and YouTube found liable on all charges in landmark social media addiction trial

TL;DR

  • A jury ruled Meta and YouTube liable for creating products that caused harm and addiction in young users.
  • Lead plaintiff Kaley was awarded $3 million in compensatory and $3 million in punitive damages.
  • The jury found the companies negligent in their design and operation, and aware of potential harm to minors without adequate warnings.
  • Meta was assigned 70% of the liability, YouTube 30%.
  • Meta and Google (YouTube) plan to appeal the verdict.
  • The case focused on product design rather than third-party content, circumventing Section 230 protections.
  • This decision may encourage more lawsuits against social media companies.