A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Google’s YouTube negligent for failing to warn users about the risks of their platforms, awarding $6 million in damages to a plaintiff who said she developed a childhood addiction that harmed her mental health.
Jurors ruled that the companies’ negligence was a “substantial factor” in causing those harms. The award includes $3 million in compensatory damages—70% assigned to Meta and 30% to YouTube—and $3 million in punitive damages, with Meta responsible for $2.1 million and YouTube $900,000.
The case, heard in LA Superior Court, was brought by a young woman identified as K.G.M., or Kaley, who alleged she became addicted to apps like Instagram and YouTube as a child. The trial began in late January, with jury deliberations starting March 13.
Plaintiff attorneys called the decision “a historic moment,” praising Kaley’s testimony and saying the verdict holds the companies accountable for what they knew about platform risks.
Both companies said they plan to challenge the outcome. A Meta spokesperson said the company “respectfully disagree[s] with the verdict” and is reviewing legal options, while a Google spokesperson said YouTube intends to appeal, arguing the case mischaracterizes the platform as social media rather than a streaming service.