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US Justice Holds Tech Giants Accountable for Mental Health Damages and Paves the Way for a Wave of Billion-Dollar Lawsuits Against Digital Platforms
A historic decision in the United States has put the world’s largest tech companies under pressure. A jury from the California Superior Court in Los Angeles concluded that Meta and YouTube harmed a young user by offering products deemed highly addictive.
The information was disclosed by “The New York Times,” which highlighted the global impact of the case. Furthermore, experts point out that this ruling could pave the way for a new wave of lawsuits against social networks, jeopardizing the current model of these platforms.
According to the ruling, the companies will have to pay US$ 3 million in damages for moral and financial losses. Of this total, Meta will be responsible for 70%, while YouTube will take the remainder.
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However, the amount may just be the beginning. This is because the case could trigger billions in new compensations.
20-Year-Old Accuses Platforms of Operating Like “Digital Casinos”
The lawsuit was filed by a young woman aged 20, identified as KGM. She claimed that the platforms were designed to capture users’ attention, similar to cigarettes or online casinos.
According to her, features such as endless scrolling and algorithmic recommendations increased her exposure to content and directly contributed to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues.
Additionally, the jury composed of seven women and five men analyzed the case for over a week before reaching a verdict.
During the trial, which lasted about five weeks, internal documents revealed that company executives were already discussing the negative effects of the platforms, especially on young people.
On the other hand, prominent names such as Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri denied that their products are “clinically” addictive.
Still, the young woman’s defense argued that the problem lies not only in the content but in the very design of the platforms, created to keep users connected for as long as possible.
Decision Could Open an Avalanche of Lawsuits Against Social Networks
The impact of this decision goes far beyond a single case. In practice, it validates a new legal thesis: that the operation of social networks can cause real harm to health.
Thus, thousands of similar lawsuits could gain traction in the coming months. Currently, actions have already been filed by teenagers, schools, and authorities against companies like Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap.
Moreover, the case follows a strategy similar to that used against the tobacco industry. At that time, companies like Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds were condemned for hiding the risks of cigarettes.
In 1998, these companies reached a historic settlement of US$ 206 billion with over 40 states.
Now, experts believe that social networks may face a similar scenario.
Another recent example reinforces this trend. A jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay US$ 375 million for failures in user protection.
Social Networks Come Under Global Scrutiny for Impact on Mental Health
Concerns about the effects of social networks are no longer an isolated debate. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General recommended that platforms include warnings about mental health risks.
Additionally, Australia has already taken a drastic measure: it banned the use of social networks by minors under 16 years old. Meanwhile, countries like Malaysia, Spain, and Denmark are studying similar regulations.
On the other hand, in the United States, companies still protect themselves with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which limits their liability for published content.
Even so, this decision could change the game. This is because the focus shifts from content to the operation of the platforms.
Young Woman’s Account Exposes Real Impact of Early Social Media Use
KGM, whose name is Kaley, started using social media at the age of 6. Over time, she began using these platforms both to express herself and to escape bullying situations.
However, this use intensified. She began spending hours a day online and posted hundreds of photos with beauty filters.
According to her testimony, this behavior contributed to the development of body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts.
During the trial, the companies attempted to attribute the problems to external factors, such as family conflicts. YouTube claimed it is not a traditional social network.
Nevertheless, the jury concluded that the platforms played a significant role in the harm suffered by the young woman.
A Landmark That Could Redefine the Future of the Internet
Although experts say there is still a long legal road ahead, the decision is already considered a landmark.
Currently, at least eight new individual cases are set to go to trial in the same court. Additionally, federal lawsuits involving states and school districts are underway in California.
Therefore, if new decisions follow this line, tech giants may be forced to completely rethink their products.
Thus, the case sends a clear warning: the impact of social networks may be much greater than previously thought and is now beginning to be treated as legal responsibility.
Do you believe that social networks can really cause addiction to the point of needing regulation?
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