Meta and Google Found Liable for Teen Social Media Harm
In a landmark ruling, a US jury has found tech giants Meta and Google liable for harming teenagers by designing addictive social media platforms. The decision is also drawing attention in Taiwan, where there are also debates over social media use.
REPORTER:
Mothers gathered outside a Los Angeles courthouse hold photos of their children who died by suicide, a tragedy they blame on social media.
They are welcoming a landmark ruling that found major tech companies like Instagram and Facebook owner Meta and Google’s YouTube liable for harm to teenagers.
The parents behind the case say these companies made social media platforms intentionally addictive. They’re calling for better safeguards for younger users and warn that things could get worse.
MOTHER OF CHILD WHO DIED BY SUICIDE:
But I really still would like to see these companies, you know, do what's needed to design their platforms safely for kids, now and in the future. And as we move on to A.I., that's even more important because kids are dying from A.I. chatbots as we speak.
REPORTER:
The verdict marks one of the first times major tech firms have been held legally responsible for mental health harms linked to social media.
It comes as scrutiny grows over how platforms use algorithms—software that decides what users see—to keep people engaged.
Critics say that design can push harmful content to young users.
ACTIVIST AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION:
The algorithms are designed to amplify whatever is stickiest and whatever will keep children scrolling, no matter how horrible. So, Meta has knowingly been sending children terrible, terrible things and taking their own measure of mental health problems—growing rates of depression, anxiety, suicidality.
REPORTER:
Legal experts say the decision could shape similar lawsuits—and force changes across the industry.
LEGAL EXPERT:
I think it sets a precedent, very much so.
So you can assume that it's going to lead to more litigation and probably a lot more settlements.
REPORTER:
Company spokespeople for Google and Meta say the companies plan to appeal.
But the decision is already getting attention beyond the US.
In Taiwan, officials have introduced limits on the use of devices in schools but haven’t come up with a broader set of laws targeting platform design or addictive features.
Still, this ruling could add momentum to debates over youth screen time and online safety.
REPORTER:
And while public opinion on how to regulate social media may be split in Taiwan, issues like online bullying have amplified the issue in recent years.
For now, the US verdict stands as a warning to the tech industry—and a possible turning point in how platforms are built.
