A major trial over alleged social media addiction begins Tuesday in California. Top executives from leading technology companies are expected to testify. The outcome could reshape how courts assign responsibility to digital platforms.
The plaintiff is a 19-year-old woman identified as KGM. She claims platform algorithms caused addiction and harmed her mental health. She says design choices encouraged compulsive use during her teenage years.
The defendants include Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, TikTok owner ByteDance, and YouTube parent Google. Snapchat reached a settlement with the plaintiff last week. The remaining companies now face trial.
The case will proceed at Los Angeles Superior Court. Legal experts see it as the first of many similar lawsuits. These cases could weaken a long-standing legal shield protecting technology firms.
Court examines addictive features and algorithms
The companies argue the evidence does not prove responsibility for depression or eating disorders. They deny a direct link between their products and the alleged harms.
The decision to move forward reflects a wider legal shift. Courts increasingly consider claims that digital products encourage addictive behaviour. Pressure on the technology sector continues to grow.
For decades, companies relied on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Congress passed the law in 1996 to protect platforms from liability over user content.
This lawsuit targets a different issue. It focuses on algorithms, notifications, and engagement features. These tools influence how users interact with social media platforms.
KGM’s lawyer, Matthew Bergman, called the trial a legal milestone. He said a jury will directly judge social media company conduct. He added many young people worldwide experience similar harm.
Rising legal exposure for tech companies
Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, warned the stakes are significant. He said losses in court could threaten the companies’ long-term future.
He also highlighted challenges for plaintiffs. Courts rarely connect psychological harm directly to content publishers. Still, he said these lawsuits open new legal ground.
Internal records and executives under scrutiny
Jurors will hear extensive testimony during the trial. They will also review internal company documents and communications.
Mary Graw Leary, a law professor at Catholic University of America, expects major disclosures. She said companies may reveal information long kept from public view.
Meta previously said it introduced dozens of safety tools for teenagers. Some researchers dispute the effectiveness of those measures.
The companies plan to argue third-party users caused the alleged harm. They deny their designs directly injured young people.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify early. His appearance ranks among the most anticipated moments of the trial.
In 2024, Zuckerberg told US senators scientific studies showed no proven causal link. He said research failed to connect social media with worse youth mental health. He later apologised to victims and their families.
Global scrutiny intensifies
Mary Anne Franks, a law professor at George Washington University, questioned executive testimony strategies. She said technology leaders often struggle under intense pressure.
She added companies hoped to avoid placing top executives on the stand. Public testimony carries serious reputational risks.
The trial arrives amid rising global attention. Families, school districts, and prosecutors increasingly challenge social media practices.
Last year, dozens of US states sued Meta. They accused the company of misleading the public about platform risks.
Australia has banned social media use for children under 16. The UK signalled in January it may adopt similar measures. Franks said governments no longer grant the technology industry automatic deference.
