LA Jury Finds Meta, Google Negligent in Social Media Harm Case

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A Los Angeles jury found tech giants Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people. Jeremy Rosenthal, a trial attorney, says the case was unique to California law and that tech companies are still protected by the First Amendment, but the ruling could ultimately prove to be a 'bellwether case' similar to the 'Big Tobacco moment' for the industry.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny over the potential harms of social media, especially for young users. It could set a precedent for future lawsuits against tech companies over the design and impact of their platforms.

The details

The Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent in designing their social media platforms in a way that is harmful to young people. While the tech companies are still protected by the First Amendment, legal expert Jeremy Rosenthal says this case could prove to be a 'bellwether' that leads to further legal challenges, similar to how lawsuits against the tobacco industry eventually led to major changes.

• The Los Angeles jury reached its verdict on March 27, 2026.

What they’re saying