Meta, Google Face Massive Liability in 'Addicted Kids' Trial

Landmark case in LA could set precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits nationwide

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Meta and Google are facing a landmark trial in Los Angeles Superior Court over claims their platforms were designed to addict young users. The outcome could put the social media giants on the hook for significant damages and impact the design and regulation of their platforms for years to come. The trial is seen as a bellwether for around 1,600 related cases across the country.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media platforms on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. If the plaintiffs prevail, it could establish a legal precedent holding tech companies accountable for the addictive design features of their products, with major implications for the industry.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a plaintiff identified as K.G.M., who alleges Meta and Google's platforms were deliberately designed to maximize youth engagement and make it difficult for minors to disengage. The plaintiff's attorney argued the companies borrowed tactics from casinos and tobacco companies to create addictive features. However, Meta's lawyer countered that K.G.M.'s struggles existed independently of the platform and that the company is only responsible if it was a 'substantial factor' in her mental health issues.

  • The trial began on February 11, 2026 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
  • The trial is expected to last 6-8 weeks.

The players

K.G.M.

The plaintiff in the lawsuit, who alleges Meta and Google's platforms were designed to addict young users.

Mark Lanier

The attorney representing the plaintiff K.G.M.

Paul Schmidt

The attorney representing Meta in the trial.

Meta

The social media company formerly known as Facebook, facing liability in the lawsuit.

Google

The tech giant facing liability in the lawsuit alongside Meta.

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What they’re saying

“For a teenager, social validation is survival. Meta, Google, and others engineered a feature that caters to a minor's craving for social validation.”

— Mark Lanier, Attorney for the plaintiff

“The responsibility is to determine only whether Meta played a 'substantial factor' in her mental health struggles.”

— Paul Schmidt, Attorney for Meta

What’s next

The judge will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow the case to proceed as a class action lawsuit, which could significantly increase the potential liability for Meta and Google if the plaintiffs prevail.

The takeaway

This trial represents a high-stakes test of whether social media companies can be held legally accountable for the addictive design of their platforms and the harm they may cause to young users. The outcome could set a precedent that reshapes the tech industry's approach to youth engagement.