tech
Jury in Los Angeles finds Meta, YouTube negligent in social media addiction trial
A jury reached a verdict in the LA trial focused on Meta and YouTube, a case that experts have characterized as social media's "Big Tobacco" moment.
TL;DR
- A jury in Los Angeles found Meta and YouTube negligent in a personal injury trial.
- The plaintiff, identified as K.G.M. (Kaley), alleged addiction to Instagram and YouTube caused mental health harms.
- Meta was ordered to pay 70% of $3 million in compensatory damages and 70% of $3 million in punitive damages.
- YouTube was ordered to pay 30% of $3 million in compensatory damages and 30% of $3 million in punitive damages.
- Experts compare this case to the 'Big Tobacco' moment of the 1990s.
- Meta also faces a $375 million judgment in New Mexico for alleged violations related to child safety.
- The LA trial focused on design features like recommendation algorithms and auto-play.
- Meta and YouTube deny the claims, citing safety features and alternative causes for the plaintiff's issues.
- This case was chosen as a bellwether for similar litigation in California.
- Other tech companies like TikTok and Snap settled before the trial.
- A federal trial involving consolidated claims by school districts and parents is scheduled for summer.
- Plaintiff attorneys are focusing on alleged design flaws to counter Section 230 protections.
- High-level executives, including Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, testified.