Meta and Google Found Liable in Landmark U.S. Cases Over Social Media Harm to Children

A new wave of lawsuits against major tech companies has reached a turning point in the United States, as juries in two separate cases have found Meta and Alphabet liable for harm caused to young users on their platforms.

The rulings, delivered in California and New Mexico, mark a significant shift in how courts may approach legal protections historically enjoyed by tech firms. For years, companies like Meta and Google have relied on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—a 1996 law that generally shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. However, these recent verdicts suggest that legal boundaries may be evolving.

In Los Angeles, a jury concluded that both companies contributed to a young woman’s mental health struggles, including depression and suicidal thoughts, after she became addicted to platforms such as Instagram and YouTube at an early age. The jury awarded a combined $6 million in damages, holding the companies accountable for the role their platforms played in her experience.

In a separate but equally significant case in New Mexico, jurors ordered Meta to pay $375 million in damages. The decision followed findings that the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for younger audiences and failed to adequately prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

What makes these cases particularly notable is how plaintiffs navigated around Section 230 protections. Instead of focusing on harmful user-generated content, they argued that the companies’ platform designs—such as algorithms, engagement features, and user experience choices—directly contributed to harm. This distinction proved crucial in allowing the cases to proceed to trial and ultimately succeed.

Legal experts say this approach could have far-reaching implications. By focusing on product design and corporate decisions rather than third-party content, courts may be opening the door for more lawsuits that challenge how tech platforms are built and operated.

Both Meta and Google have strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that they have implemented measures to protect young users. The companies had previously sought to have the cases dismissed, citing Section 230 immunity, but judges in both instances ruled that the claims warranted a full trial.

As appeals are expected, these rulings could set the stage for a broader legal battle that may redefine the responsibilities of social media companies in safeguarding users—especially children. The outcomes may ultimately influence future regulations and reshape the balance between innovation, accountability, and user protection in the digital age.