LA Jury Holds Meta 70% and YouTube 30% Responsible in $6M Verdict
An LA jury found Meta 70% and YouTube 30% negligent for designing addictive features that harmed a California woman's mental health, awarding $6 million in damages. Both companies plan to appeal, following a separate $375 million verdict against Meta in New Mexico over child safety claims.
1. Verdict Details
A Los Angeles jury concluded that Meta was 70% responsible and YouTube 30% responsible for designing addictive social features that contributed to a California woman's mental health issues, awarding a total of $6 million in damages. The plaintiff argued that infinite scrolling, autoplay videos and beauty filters created dependency and harm.
2. Previous New Mexico Ruling
This decision follows a New Mexico jury award of $375 million against Meta after state officials argued its platform enabled risk to children. The series of rulings reflects growing legal scrutiny over the design and safety of social media products.
3. Appeals and Corporate Response
Meta and Google, owner of YouTube, have both stated they will appeal, challenging the verdicts and defending their platform designs. Company representatives emphasized the complexity of teen mental health and vowed to continue contesting the judgments in higher courts.