Parents who say they have lost their children due to social media hold up a banner with the names of the children outside the court after the jury found Meta and Google liable in a key test case accusing Meta and Google's YouTube of harming children's mental health through addictive social media platforms, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 25, 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS/Mike Blake

A Los Angeles jury found Alphabet's Google and Meta ​liable on Wednesday in a landmark ‌youth social media addiction trial.

Here ​are the details of ⁠the jury's verdict:

META, GOOGLE OWE DAMAGES

The jury awarded $3 million in damages to ‌the plaintiff. Meta will be liable for 70% of ‌the damages and Google ‌for ⁠30%.

META WAS NEGLIGENT

The jury ⁠found Meta was negligent in designing or operating Instagram.

META'S CONDUCT DEEMED 'SUBSTANTIAL' FACTOR IN WOMAN'S ​HARM

The jury ‌found that Meta's negligence was a "substantial factor" in harming the 20-year-old plaintiff. The plaintiff said earlier in ‌the legal proceeding her Instagram ​use fueled her mental health struggles.

META DID NOT ADEQUATELY ⁠WARN USERS

The jury found Meta liable for failing to adequately warn users ‌about the dangers of using Instagram.

GOOGLE WAS NEGLIGENT

The jury found Google was negligent in designing or operating YouTube.

GOOGLE'S CONDUCT DEEMED 'SUBSTANTIAL' FACTOR IN WOMAN'S HARM

The ‌jury found Google's negligence was a "substantial factor" in ​harming the 20-year-old plaintiff. The plaintiff has said YouTube's ⁠features contributed to her depression and anxiety.

GOOGLE ⁠DID NOT ADEQUATELY WARN USERS

The jury found Google liable ‌for failing to adequately warn users about the dangers of ​using YouTube.

Published on March 26, 2026