Meta and Google Accused of Failing to Prevent Social Media Addiction in LA

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Two technology giants, Meta and Google, have been found liable in a lawsuit in Los Angeles, United States, for failing to prevent social media addiction issues. This was stated by the jury in the lawsuit, which emphasised that social media can pose significant risks to the mental health of young women. The young woman in question is a girl with the initials KGM or first name Kaley, as reported by TechCrunch on Wednesday (25/3) local time. The amount of compensation may increase as jury deliberations continue. This important case in the Los Angeles Superior Court seeks to hold social media platforms, particularly Instagram and YouTube, accountable for the harm suffered by Kaley. In defence, Meta’s legal team argued that other factors, such as Kaley’s chaotic home life and her parents’ divorce, played a greater role in her health issues, and that social media platforms were not the primary cause. However, evidence presented in the trial influenced the jury to side with Kaley as the plaintiff. They even examined the issue and used their findings to increase engagement among young users. A few days before this case reached its verdict, other social media platforms, TikTok and Snap, faced similar lawsuits and reached settlements with the plaintiffs. Some harms can arise due to a lack of safety measures or inappropriate algorithmic recommendations. This could spark a wave of new legal actions, as other plaintiffs also seek compensation. Both Google and Meta are expected to appeal, and Meta has indicated its intention to do so. Meta stated that the company is considering its options in response to the ruling.