Meta, Tiktok and Youtube Face Landmark Trial Over Youth Addiction Claims

2026-01-28 - 00:22

UNITED STATES – Big tech giants Meta Platforms, TikTok and YouTube are facing courtroom scrutiny in California as a trial alleging social media is fueling a youth mental health crisis gets underway. According to Reuters, the case is seen as a test for thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide, challenging big tech’s longstanding legal shields. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman, claims the platforms’ design addicted her at a young age and contributed to depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, with the companies denying responsibility.