CRIME & LAW

Landmark Trials Accuse Meta, YouTube Of Child Addiction

PUBLISHED Feb 9, 2026, 9:26 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

Los Angeles jurors heard opening statements Monday as plaintiffs and state prosecutors accused Meta and YouTube of designing addictive features that harmed children. Plaintiffs claim algorithms, endless scrolling and notifications prioritized engagement over safety; New Mexico prosecutors said Meta concealed risks and targeted minors. Meta disputed those claims, citing safety tools and contesting causation. TikTok and Snap previously settled. Witnesses expected include senior executives and expert testimony on algorithms and mental health. Courts will examine internal documents and company policies during trial proceedings. Judges will weigh evidence, testimony, and expert analysis carefully. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Lawsuit filed originally naming Meta, Google (YouTube), TikTok, and Snap.
TikTok and Snap reached undisclosed settlements prior to current trials.
Opening statements began this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
New Mexico prosecutors opened a related trial in Santa Fe this week.
Courts will review internal documents and hear executive and expert testimony.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Plaintiffs, public-interest advocates, and trial attorneys benefit from heightened scrutiny and potential legal precedent if courts find liability.

Who Impacted

Children exposed to harmful platform design and their families suffer continued mental-health effects and social harms while companies face reputational and financial risk.