Jury finds Meta, Google liable in landmark social media addiction trial, awards more than $6M in damages

Core Viewpoint - A Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable for designing their products to be addictive to young users, awarding $6 million in damages to the plaintiff [1][2]. Group 1: Verdict and Damages - Meta was ordered to pay 70% of the compensatory damages, amounting to $4.2 million, while Google is responsible for the remaining 30%, totaling $1.8 million [1]. - In addition to compensatory damages, Meta was ordered to pay $2.1 million and Google $900,000 in punitive damages [1][2]. - The jury determined that both companies acted with "malice, oppression, or fraud," justifying the punitive damages [3]. Group 2: Legal and Industry Reactions - The plaintiff's lawyers stated that the verdict signifies accountability for social media companies that profit from targeting children while concealing addictive features [2]. - Meta and Google expressed disagreement with the verdict and indicated plans to appeal [3][4]. - The case was brought by a 20-year-old woman who claimed that social media platforms contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts during her minor years [5].