Washington, March 27 (Read): A jury in Washington has ordered penalties against Meta and YouTube, holding the platforms responsible for causing harm to young users through addictive design and algorithms.

In its decision, the jury stated that both platforms were designed in a way that promotes addiction. The ruling has been described as historic, as it opens the possibility for users to legally challenge social media companies for harm caused by their platforms.

According to the verdict, Meta has been directed to pay a total of $4.2 million in compensatory and punitive damages, while YouTube has been ordered to pay $1.8 million. In Indian currency, this amounts to approximately ₹39 crore for Meta and ₹17 crore for YouTube.

The case was filed by a 20-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., who alleged that social media platforms were designed to be addictive like cigarettes or digital casinos. She cited features such as infinite scrolling and algorithm-based recommendations, claiming they led to stress and anxiety. The lawsuit targeted Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, and Google’s YouTube.

The verdict is being seen as significant for similar lawsuits filed by teenagers, school districts, and state attorneys general against companies including Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap. It recognises a new legal argument that social media platforms can cause personal harm to users.

The decision may influence upcoming cases scheduled for hearing this year and could potentially force major internet companies to make changes to their products.

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat

Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Readhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.

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Jury Fines Meta, YouTube Over Addictive Design