A closely watched trial over whether Instagram and YouTube’s app designs harmed a young user’s mental health has begun in Los Angeles, marking one of the most significant legal tests yet for Big Tech’s responsibility toward children online.
Opening statements started on Monday in a California state court, where a 20-year-old woman, identified as K.G.M., is suing Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Alphabet’s Google, which owns YouTube.
The plaintiff claims the platforms’ attention-grabbing and addictive features hooked her at a young age, contributing to depression and suicidal thoughts. She is seeking unspecified damages.
According to court filings, she argues that the companies intentionally designed their apps to maximise engagement without properly warning users about potential mental health risks.
If successful, the case could open the door for thousands of similar lawsuits and challenge the long-standing legal protections that often shield tech firms from liability over user harm.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify as a defence witness during the trial, which could run through March.
TikTok and Snap, which were initially named in the lawsuit, settled with the plaintiff before proceedings began.
Legal battle over app design
The woman’s legal team plans to argue that Meta and Google were negligent in their platform design, failed to warn the public about risks, and that their products were a substantial factor in her injuries.
If the jury agrees, it could award damages for pain and suffering and possibly impose punitive damages.
Meta and Google are expected to counter by highlighting other factors in her personal life, pointing to their youth safety policies, and distancing themselves from harmful content posted by users.
Under current U.S. law, internet companies are generally protected from liability for content uploaded by users. However, a verdict against the companies could weaken that defence and reshape how social media firms are regulated.
Wider implications
The case is one of thousands of lawsuits filed across California accusing tech platforms of harming young users.
More than 2,300 similar claims from parents, schools and state officials are also pending in federal court.
The growing legal pressure reflects a broader global backlash against social media companies. Countries such as Australia and Spain have already restricted access to platforms for users under 16, while others are considering similar measures.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the Los Angeles trial could significantly influence how courts worldwide address youth mental health and social media accountability.
