A landmark trial over alleged social media addiction begins Tuesday in California. Senior executives from major technology companies are expected to testify. The case could redefine legal responsibility for 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 head to court.
The trial will take place at Los Angeles Superior Court. Legal experts describe it as the first in a potential wave of similar lawsuits. These cases could challenge a long-standing legal shield protecting technology companies.
Algorithms and engagement features under scrutiny
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 move to trial signals a broader 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 shield platforms from liability over user content.
This lawsuit focuses on a different issue. It targets algorithms, notifications, and engagement features. These design choices shape how users interact with social media platforms.
KGM’s lawyer, Matthew Bergman, called the trial historic. He said a jury will directly judge social media company conduct. He added many young people worldwide face similar harm.
Legal stakes rise for tech firms
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 noted challenges for plaintiffs. Courts rarely connect psychological harm directly to content publishers. Still, he said these lawsuits opened new legal ground.
Executives and internal documents in the spotlight
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 question 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 of social media practices 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 putting top executives on the stand. Public testimony carries serious reputational risks.
The trial comes 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 rules. Franks said governments no longer grant the technology industry automatic deference.
