Meta Platforms and YouTube deliberately designed apps to addict children, a lawyer told jurors in California at a trial that began on 09/02. The case could determine whether major tech companies can be held responsible for harmful app design.

The lawsuit was filed by 20-year-old Kaley G.M., who claims that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Google, which owns YouTube, made apps that hooked her at a young age. Her lawyer, Mark Lanier, said internal documents show that “these companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose.”

Plaintiff Claims Apps Fueled Mental Health Problems

Kaley says social media worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. She is seeking damages for pain, suffering, and punitive compensation. Her legal team argues that the companies were negligent in their app design and failed to warn the public about potential risks.

Kaley is expected to testify in the trial, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg may also appear as a witness. TikTok and Snap settled with Kaley before the trial began.

Defense Points to Personal Circumstances

Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, told the jury that Kaley had a difficult childhood, including verbal and physical abuse and parental divorce. He asked, “If you took Instagram away and everything else was the same in Kaley's life, would her life be completely different?”

Both Meta and Google deny the allegations. They plan to argue that other factors in Kaley’s life contributed to her mental health challenges and to highlight their efforts to protect youth online. Under U.S. law, internet companies are generally not liable for content posted by users, only for their own app design and operations.

Case Could Influence Other Lawsuits

A verdict against Meta or Google could open the door for thousands of similar lawsuits in California and federal court. More than 2,300 cases have been filed by parents, school districts, and state attorneys general. Judges are currently reviewing liability protections ahead of upcoming federal trials, some expected as early as June.

Meanwhile, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a jury is hearing a case accusing Meta of profiting while exposing children to harmful content. Donald Migliori, attorney for the state, told jurors, “Meta made its profits while publicly misrepresenting that its platforms were safe for youth, downplaying or outright lying about what it knows about the dangers of its platforms.” Meta’s attorney Kevin Huff said the company has made significant efforts to warn users about harmful content.

International Concern Over Youth Social Media Use

The trial reflects global worries about social media and children’s mental health. Australia and Spain have restricted access to social media for users under 16, and other countries are considering similar measures.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.

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