Landmark Trial Begins Against Meta, YouTube for Allegedly Designing Addictive Apps

Lawsuit claims tech giants deliberately built products to hook children, fueling depression and suicidal thoughts

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 20-year-old woman is suing Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google, which owns YouTube, alleging the companies deliberately designed their social media apps to be addictive for children. The plaintiff, Kaley G.M., claims the apps fueled her depression and suicidal thoughts, and she is seeking to hold the tech giants liable. The trial will test whether Big Tech platforms can be held responsible for the harmful effects of their app designs.

Why it matters

This landmark case could set a precedent for similar lawsuits against tech companies, potentially shaking the industry's longstanding legal defense against claims of user harm. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how social media platforms are designed and held accountable for their impact on vulnerable users, especially children.

The details

Kaley's lawyer, Mark Lanier, told jurors that internal company documents show Meta and YouTube "built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose." The lawsuit alleges the companies were negligent in their app design, failed to warn the public about the risks, and that the platforms were a substantial factor in Kaley's injuries. If successful, the jury will consider awarding damages for pain and suffering, as well as potential punitive damages.

  • The trial began on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Kaley G.M.

A 20-year-old woman suing Meta Platforms and Google's YouTube, alleging their social media apps were deliberately designed to be addictive and fueled her depression and suicidal thoughts.

Mark Lanier

The lawyer representing Kaley G.M. in the lawsuit against Meta and YouTube.

Meta Platforms

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which is being sued for allegedly designing addictive social media apps.

Alphabet

The parent company of Google, which owns YouTube, which is also being sued for allegedly designing addictive social media apps.

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What they’re saying

“These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose.”

— Mark Lanier, Lawyer for Kaley G.M.

What’s next

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to be called as a witness at the trial, which is likely to stretch into March. The outcome of this case could pave the way for similar lawsuits against other major tech platforms like TikTok and Snap, which have also been named in related suits.

The takeaway

This trial represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over Big Tech's responsibility for the harmful effects of their products, particularly on vulnerable young users. A verdict against Meta and YouTube could fundamentally reshape how social media platforms are designed and held accountable, with far-reaching implications for the entire industry.