US: Meta and YouTube Guilty of Teen Addiction - $3 Million Fine

A California court found Meta and YouTube liable for a minor's addiction, awarding $3 million in damages.

Jurors found negligence in the design of their services and inadequate warning about the risks.

The case involved Kaylee, 20, who, along with her mother, sued the platforms for causing anxiety and suicidal ideation. Snap and TikTok had settled before the trial.

The trial lasted seven weeks. Meta and YouTube are ordered to pay a total of $3 million, with a decision pending on whether additional punitive damages will be imposed.

A Meta representative stated that the company disagrees with the decision and is considering its legal options, while Google announced it would appeal.