Meta and YouTube found liable for addictive algorithms
The ruling from California could reshape the conditions for social media platforms and challenge today’s algorithm-driven business models. This development creates better conditions for new, user-controlled alternatives such as HUDD.
March 26, 2026 | SOCIETY
Image by AI/S&P
Lawsuit alleges addiction
A woman in her 20s, identified as KGM, filed suit against Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, and YouTube, owned by Google. She claimed she became addicted to the platforms from a young age.
According to her testimony, she began using YouTube at six and Instagram at nine. Over time, she developed serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, body image disorders and self-harm.
The lawsuit argued that the companies deliberately designed their services to maximise user engagement, particularly among children. Features such as infinite scroll, algorithmic recommendations and autoplay were highlighted as key mechanisms.
The companies denied responsibility, arguing that their platforms are safe for most users and that other factors could explain her condition.
Jury finds companies negligent
The trial took place in Los Angeles, and the verdict was made public yesterday. It is considered the first case of its kind.
Over several weeks, the court heard testimony from the woman, clinicians and expert witnesses. Whistleblowers from the companies also testified, offering insight into internal decisions about platform design.
The jury concluded that Meta and YouTube had acted negligently, including by failing to warn users about potential risks. It also found that the platforms’ design contributed to the harm suffered.
The companies were ordered to pay around $6 million in damages, with Meta responsible for the majority and YouTube for the remainder. The jury also opened the door to punitive damages, which could increase the total.
Part of a broader wave of lawsuits
The case is part of a wider legal trend in the United States, where a growing number of similar lawsuits are being brought. Families, school districts and public authorities have filed claims against companies such as TikTok and Snap Inc.
Several cases are being treated as “test cases”, with outcomes that could influence thousands of similar claims. In a separate case in New Mexico, Meta was recently ordered to pay a significantly larger sum in a case concerning child safety.
At the same time, some companies have chosen to settle cases before trial, suggesting increasing legal risk.
Potential consequences for the industry
The ruling is seen as significant because it targets the design of social media platforms, rather than just the content they host.
It could challenge the legal protections long enjoyed by technology companies in the United States and lead to stricter regulation. Possible outcomes include requirements to change features that drive prolonged use, as well as greater responsibility for protecting children online.
Some experts have drawn parallels to earlier cases against the tobacco industry, where companies were held accountable for addictive products.
However, the broader legal impact remains uncertain, as both Meta and YouTube have said they plan to appeal.
Alternatives and regulation in Europe
Alongside developments in the US, Europe is seeing efforts by regulators and new entrants to reshape how social media operates. The EU has introduced legislation such as the Digital Services Act, which imposes stricter requirements on transparency and user protection, particularly for minors.
At the same time, alternative platforms are emerging with a different approach from the dominant players. The Scandinavian company HUDD is among them. Its platform does not rely on algorithms to sort content, instead showing posts selected by the user in chronological order. Users must also verify their identity at login through secure digital identification systems, making it harder to create fake accounts.
These initiatives reflect a broader effort to reduce mechanisms that can contribute to addictive use and strong behavioural steering.
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SOURCES
The Guardian
Meta and YouTube designed addictive products that harmed young people, jury findsBusiness Insider
Meta ordered to pay $375M over lawsuit accusing the company of failing to protect kids from sexual exploitationWashington Post
Meta and Youtube verdict social media addcitionTransparency Coalition
TCAI guide: What parents should know about the social media addiction trialsEuropean Commission
The Digital Services ActHudd
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