Key facts
- Meta and YouTube were found liable by a jury for designing addictive social media platforms.
- A judge denied Meta and YouTube's motions for a new trial.
- The jury awarded $6 million in damages to the plaintiff.
- Meta was assigned 70% responsibility and YouTube 30%.
- The judge ruled that Section 230 does not shield companies from liability related to platform design choices.
A California state court judge has denied motions by Meta Platforms and Google's YouTube seeking a new trial after a jury found them liable for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl ruled on the motions on Tuesday. The companies had sought a new trial after a jury found them negligent and imposed $6 million in damages. The jury determined Meta was 70% responsible and YouTube 30% responsible for the harm to the 20-year-old plaintiff, who testified that her childhood addiction to social media exacerbated her mental health struggles. Kuhl rejected the companies' argument that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields them, stating the law does not address design choices and the jury was instructed not to consider content. Meta stated it disagreed with the ruling and expects it to be overturned on appeal, while Google representatives did not immediately comment.