Meta and YouTube made addictive products that harmed young people, US jury finds in landmark trial

A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for allegedly addictive product design that harmed a young user.

The jury assigned 70% of the damages to Meta and 30% to YouTube, and recommended $3 million in compensatory damages plus $3 million in punitive damages.

The judge will determine the final award, but the case is being seen as a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits.

The verdict raises the legal and financial risk for Meta and Google over claims their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive for minors.