Google Defends YouTube Against Child Addiction Claims in Trial

Lawsuit alleges YouTube's design intentionally exploits psychological vulnerabilities of young users.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Google is defending YouTube against accusations that the platform is intentionally addictive to children. The trial, unfolding in a Los Angeles civil court, centers around a 20-year-old woman who alleges that YouTube addiction during her childhood led to severe mental health issues. Google's attorneys argue that YouTube prioritizes content quality over virality and doesn't aim to 'rewire the brains of children' as the plaintiff's legal team claims.

Why it matters

This case could set a significant legal precedent for tech giants facing similar claims about the addictive nature of their platforms, particularly regarding the responsibility of social media companies for the potential negative impacts of their design on users' mental health.

The details

The lawsuit focuses on the design of YouTube's algorithms and personalization features, which the plaintiff's team argues are negligent and harmful. Google counters that content gains popularity through user recommendations, not direct manipulation. The case mirrors legal strategies previously used against the tobacco industry, challenging the fundamental premise of how social media platforms operate.

  • The trial is currently unfolding in a Los Angeles civil court.

The players

Kaley GM

A 20-year-old woman who alleges that YouTube addiction during her childhood led to severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and body image disorders.

Mark Lanier

The lead attorney for the plaintiff's legal team.

Luis Li

Google's attorney, who is defending YouTube against the accusations.

Google

The parent company of YouTube, which is defending the platform against the lawsuit.

Meta

Facebook's parent company, which was initially named in the same lawsuit but reached a confidential settlement with the plaintiff.

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What they’re saying

“YouTube doesn't try to gain inside your brain and reconfigure it.”

— Luis Li, Google's attorney (newsy-today.com)

“YouTube doesn't aim to make users more addicted than they might be to 'good books or learning new things.'”

— Luis Li, Google's attorney (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The outcome of this trial could establish a crucial legal precedent regarding the civil responsibility of social media operators and the impact of their platform design on users' mental health.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about the addictive nature of social media platforms, particularly their impact on young users. The focus on algorithmic design and the responsibility of tech companies could lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulation of the industry.