US Courts Hear Landmark Cases Against Meta and Google Over Social Media’s Impact on Children
US Courts Hear Landmark Cases Against Meta and Google Over Social Media’s Impact on Children
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Major civil lawsuits against Meta and Google have begun in Los Angeles, marking a significant legal test of whether major technology companies can be held accountable for the alleged harmful effects of social media on children and adolescents.
The cases, being heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court, focus on Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and YouTube, which is owned by Google. Plaintiffs argue that these platforms were deliberately designed with features and algorithms that encourage prolonged use and behavioral dependency among young users.
According to arguments presented by lawyers representing the plaintiffs, the companies engineered recommendation systems, notifications, and engagement tools that exploit psychological vulnerabilities in children, contributing to addiction-like behaviors and negative mental health outcomes. The lawsuits also accuse the companies of failing to adequately protect minors from harmful and inappropriate content, including sexually explicit material.
The cases include claims of psychological harm suffered by children and teenagers, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, which plaintiffs say are linked to excessive social media use. The lawsuits seek to establish corporate responsibility for these alleged harms and could result in significant financial penalties if the companies are found liable.
Meta and Google have rejected the allegations, stating that their platforms include safeguards for young users and that they invest heavily in safety tools, parental controls, and content moderation. Both companies argue that they should not be held legally responsible for broader societal issues related to technology use.
The trial is widely viewed as a landmark case that could influence hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States and shape future regulation of social media platforms.
