Google and Meta lose lawsuit over unsafe platform design

A Los Angeles jury has found Google and Meta liable for €2.59 million in damages in a landmark lawsuit over social media addiction.

The case centred on a young woman who said she became addicted to platforms such as YouTube and Instagram at an early age because of their design.

The verdict could have wider implications, as similar lawsuits are being prepared by parents, schools and states across the US. The case focused on how the platforms operate rather than on the content itself, which experts say makes it harder for technology companies to defend themselves.

Several US states have already passed legislation regulating the use of social media platforms, and further lawsuits are expected. Meta said it disagrees with the verdict, while Google has not yet commented.

(reuters, mja)