tech
February 10, 2026
Meta and Google in Court
The world's largest social media companies are facing several significant lawsuits this year aimed at holding them accountable for harm caused to children using their platforms, and opening statements for the first trial began today in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, reports AP.
TL;DR
- Meta and Google's YouTube are on trial for allegedly causing addiction and harm to children through their platforms.
- TikTok and Snap settled previous lawsuits for undisclosed amounts.
- The Los Angeles trial involves a test case, with the potential to influence thousands of similar lawsuits.
- This is the first time these companies will argue their case before a jury.
- Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify.
- Legal experts compare the situation to the Big Tobacco lawsuits, which resulted in billions in healthcare costs and marketing restrictions for tobacco companies.