Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other platforms are expected to pay millions. There is a verdict
The court found that social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, are designed to addict children. The ruling exposes tech giants to potential penalties in thousands of similar cases pending across the United States, writes the Financial Times.
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Meta and Google lose groundbreaking lawsuit
The jury in the Los Angeles trial reached its verdict on Wednesday after nine days of deliberations, finding that platforms belonging to Metasuch as Instagram and Facebook and belonging to Google YouTube, have been negligent and are therefore liable for any damage caused to children.
The jury awarded $3 million. compensation for the 20-year-old plaintiff, who claimed that social media addiction as a child had a negative impact on her mental health, causing anxiety, body image disturbances and suicidal thoughts.
The woman allegedly started using YouTube when she was 6 years old, and Instagram when she was 9 years old. Her lawyers argued that her addiction was the result of deliberate corporate policy.
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Meta and Google must pay millions to the 20-year-old
Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, was found responsible for 70%. compensation, and Google – for 30%.
A representative of Meta, quoted by the FT, said: “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are considering our legal options.” Alphabet, Google's parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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A precedent for a wave of similar lawsuits
This case will set a precedent for a wave of similar lawsuits. Thousands of individuals, school districts and state attorneys general have filed similar lawsuits against social media platforms, seeking damages and changes.
The verdict is another blow to Meta after a New Mexico jury on Tuesday found the company liable for failing to protect children from sexual content, solicitation and human trafficking. The company was ordered to pay USD 375 million. a civil fine, but announced she would appeal against the verdict.
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Source: Financial Times
