Meta, YouTube fined $3M for child app addiction

A Los Angeles jury has ordered Meta and YouTube to pay $3 million to a woman who developed severe mental health issues due to addictive app design features. Meta will pay 70% of the fine, with Google covering the remaining 30%. The trial revealed internal documents showing Meta employees acknowledged the addictive nature of their platforms, likening them to drugs. Despite company arguments that the plaintiff's issues stemmed from personal problems, the jury found the apps' design, including infinite scroll and algorithmic recommendations, contributed to her addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This verdict could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits.