Meta and YouTube seek to overturn jury verdict finding platforms liable in social media design case
Meta and YouTube have asked a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to overturn a jury verdict that found both companies negligent in how their platforms were designed or operated, or alternatively grant a new trial.
In separate filings earlier this month, Meta and Google’s YouTube challenged the decision issued by a California jury, arguing the ruling should be vacated or retried. The legal moves were widely anticipated following the verdict.
The case stems from a consolidated set of lawsuits involving claims against major social media platforms over alleged user harm. A jury recently found Meta and YouTube liable for contributing to a young woman’s depression and ordered the companies to pay a combined $6 million in damages.
The plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., alleged she began using social media as a child and later developed addictive usage patterns that led to or worsened mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, body image issues, and suicidal thoughts.
In their filings, the companies argue they should be protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally shields online platforms from liability for content posted by users. They also contend the verdict conflicts with First Amendment protections, saying platforms cannot be held responsible for liability based on product “features” without violating free speech principles.
The ruling is notable because it focused on alleged harms tied to platform design and operation rather than specific user-generated content, an area where plaintiffs argue Section 230 protections should not apply.
Legal representatives for the plaintiff said they were not surprised by the motions and argued that the court has repeatedly rejected similar arguments throughout the case. They maintain that the evidence presented at trial showed the platforms knowingly contributed to serious harm.
The case is part of a broader wave of litigation involving youth safety and social media use. It follows another recent jury decision in which Meta was found liable in a separate case involving alleged harm to children.
The back-to-back verdicts have increased scrutiny of social media companies, as policymakers and advocacy groups continue debating potential legislation aimed at regulating platform design and protecting younger users.
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