Arguments begin in landmark social media addiction trial against tech giants

Meta and Google face claims their platforms deliberately addict and harm children

Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:31am

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The world's biggest social media companies, including Meta and Google, are facing several landmark trials this year that seek to hold them responsible for harms to children who use their platforms. Opening arguments for the first trial, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, begin this week. The case centers on claims that the companies' platforms deliberately addict and harm children through design choices aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue.

Why it matters

This trial could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies, potentially forcing them to change their practices around children and teens. If successful, the plaintiffs' argument that the companies' actions were deliberate could sidestep the companies' typical legal defenses under the First Amendment and Section 230.

The details

The lawsuit focuses on a 19-year-old plaintiff identified as 'KGM,' whose case could determine how other similar lawsuits play out. The plaintiffs claim the companies' platforms, including Instagram and YouTube, exacerbated the plaintiff's depression and suicidal thoughts through deliberate design choices. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify during the 6-8 week trial.

  • The trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court begins this week.
  • A federal bellwether trial in Oakland, California is scheduled to begin in June, representing school districts that have sued social media platforms.
  • In New Mexico, opening arguments begin Monday for a trial on allegations that Meta and its platforms have failed to protect young users from sexual exploitation.

The players

Meta

The parent company of Instagram, which is accused of deliberately designing its platform to addict and harm children.

Google

The parent company of YouTube, which is also accused of deliberately designing its platform to addict and harm children.

KGM

A 19-year-old plaintiff whose case could determine how thousands of other similar lawsuits against social media companies play out.

Sacha Haworth

The executive director of the nonprofit Tech Oversight Project, which is involved in the social media addiction trials.

Clay Calvert

A nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, who is an expert on the case.

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What they’re saying

“Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work.”

— José Castañeda, Google Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the plaintiffs to proceed with their claims that the tech companies deliberately designed their platforms to addict and harm children.

The takeaway

This landmark trial could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms on children and teens. The outcome could force major changes in how these companies design and operate their products, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable young users.