A jury in Los Angeles delivered a historic verdict, finding Meta (owner of Instagram) and Google (owner of YouTube) responsible for harming a user’s health due to algorithms that promote addictive behavior. A 20-year-old California resident has been awarded $6 million in compensation.

The core allegation: “Artificial addiction”

The trial lasted about a month. Lawyers proved that the platforms were intentionally designed to foster addiction among young users. At the center of the case is the story of a young woman whose mental health deteriorated after years of social media use.

Jurors concluded that the tech giants were negligent in the development of their products. The defense compared certain app features to “Trojan horses” that infiltrate children’s lives and take control of their time and attention.

Reaction of tech companies and experts

Company executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, insisted on the positive impact of their platforms. Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that there is no scientific evidence of clinical addiction, describing excessive app use merely as “problematic.” Meta and Google have already announced their intention to appeal the verdict.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also expressed support for the ruling. Prince Harry and Meghan said the decision “lifted the veil” and confirmed that the root of the problem lies not in parenting, but in product design.

This case is the first in a large wave of lawsuits against Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat. Currently, more than 1,600 plaintiffs, including hundreds of families and school districts, are preparing similar claims.

Lawyers emphasize that the “floodgates have opened.” Social media platforms can now officially be held accountable for the consequences of their algorithms, which could permanently reshape the rules of the tech industry.

ORIENT