LOS ANGELES (WPVI) — A California jury has found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design of their social media platforms, concluding the companies failed to warn young users about potential dangers.
The verdict comes after more than 40 hours of deliberations and marks the second legal setback this week for Meta, which also lost a similar case in New Mexico involving a $375 million judgment.
Jurors in Los Angeles ordered the companies to pay a combined $6 million in damages, with Meta responsible for about 70 percent. The case centered on a 20-year-old plaintiff who alleged the platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive and caused her mental health distress.
“This is such a monumental moment,” said Alex Becker, founder of Delco Unplugged, an organization that promotes delaying smartphones and social media use for children.
Becker said the case reflects a broader national reckoning.
“This trial in Los Angeles really isn’t about just this one case. This is about thousands of lawsuits against these big tech companies and countless survivors and parents and families across the country who are demanding accountability,” said Becker.
Parents interviewed about the verdict said they view the decision as a step toward stronger protections for children.
Legal experts say the ruling could influence how future cases unfold.
Peter Ormerod, an associate professor of law at Villanova University, called the outcome a promising development.
“I think it becomes increasingly likely that they will settle these cases in a way that not just provides monetary relief, but may actually make some significant changes that the way the platforms are designed and the way they operate,” Ormerod said.
Meta and YouTube said in a statement that they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.
Ormerod noted that Meta is likely to argue that “the vast majority of the things they do are protected expression and they cannot be subject to many forms of regulation.”
The companies face a growing number of lawsuits from users, school districts and state attorneys general, including those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Advocates say the pressure is long overdue.
“These platforms should be made safer,” Becker said. “I think the internal documents show that executives at these companies have known for years that they have chosen profits over safety. Now, I hope they will be forced to change.”
Meanwhile, parents like Becker and lawmakers are pushing for social media safety legislation in Pennsylvania.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.