Social Media Giants Face Landmark Trial Over Alleged Harm to Kids

Meta, YouTube, and others accused of designing 'defective' products that addict young users

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Jury selection began in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday in the first of a series of closely-watched lawsuits seeking to prove that major social media companies like Meta and YouTube are responsible for the harm their products inflict on young users. The cases allege the platforms were deliberately designed to addict kids, despite knowing the dangers. TikTok recently settled a similar suit, while Snap reached a deal with the same plaintiff a week earlier. The remaining defendants still face claims their products are 'defective' and harmful.

Why it matters

These trials could upend how social media giants engage with their youngest users and leave tech companies on the hook for billions in damages if the plaintiffs prevail. The cases come at a time of growing public concern over the mental health impacts of social media, especially on children and teens.

The details

The lawsuits allege social media apps were built and refined to 'snare youngsters and keep them on the platforms without regard for dangers the companies knew lurked there, from sexual predation to bullying to promotion of self-harm and even suicide.' Jurors will be asked to weigh whether those dangers are incidental or inherent, and if the companies can be held responsible for the harm families say flowed from their children's social media use.

  • Jury selection began on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • TikTok agreed to settle the first case on the eve of the trial.
  • Snap reached a settlement with the same plaintiff a week earlier.

The players

Meta

The parent company of Instagram, which is one of the remaining defendants in the trial.

YouTube

The video-sharing platform owned by Google, which is also a defendant in the trial.

K.G.M.

The Chico, California woman who is the plaintiff in the first of the closely-watched lawsuits.

Sacha Haworth

The executive director of The Tech Oversight Project, an industry watchdog.

Matthew Bergman

An attorney with the Social Media Victims Law Center.

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What they’re saying

“This settlement should come as no surprise because that damning evidence is just the tip of the iceberg. This was only the first case — there are hundreds of parents and school districts in the social media addiction trials that start today, and sadly, new families every day who are speaking out and bringing Big Tech to court for its deliberately harmful products.”

— Sacha Haworth, Executive Director, The Tech Oversight Project (latimes.com)

“The Parties are pleased to have been able to resolve this matter in an amicable manner.”

— Monique Bellamy, Spokesperson, Snap (latimes.com)

“I am equally shocked ... by the internal documents that I have seen from all four of these defendants regarding their knowing decision to addict kids to a platform knowing it would be bad for them. To me they are all outrageous in their decision to elevate their profits over the safety of kids.”

— Matthew Bergman, Attorney, Social Media Victims Law Center (latimes.com)

What’s next

The landmark trial against Meta, YouTube, and other social media giants is just the first in a series of closely-watched cases seeking to hold the tech companies accountable for the harm their products have caused young users. Hundreds of additional lawsuits from parents and school districts are set to follow.

The takeaway

These trials represent a pivotal moment in the growing public backlash against the social media industry's practices, particularly when it comes to engaging and profiting from young and vulnerable users. The outcome could dramatically reshape how these platforms operate and force them to prioritize user safety over growth and profits.