Meta Appeals Verdict in Social Media Addiction Case
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has initiated an appeal process following a landmark ruling in Los Angeles. The verdict found that Meta’s platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive, particularly affecting young users without adequate regard for their mental health.
The appeal was filed by Meta’s legal team in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Detailed arguments for the appeal will be submitted in future legal documents.
The case involved a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as Kaley, who alleged that her childhood addiction to social media exacerbated her mental health issues. The jury determined that both Meta and YouTube, owned by Google, were significantly negligent, contributing to her harm. Consequently, the jury awarded Kaley $3 million in damages and suggested an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Her attorney, Mark Lanier, expressed confidence in the appellate court’s ability to uphold the trial court’s decision.
The appeal process could extend over a lengthy period. In response to the verdict, a Meta representative reiterated their position, stating that adolescent mental health is “profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”
Google’s spokesman, José Castañeda, indicated that YouTube also plans to appeal, referring to the motions as standard practice to progress the case.
Meta and Google had previously requested a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, a common defense tactic to overturn jury decisions, and sought a new trial. However, Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl denied these requests in June.
Under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, tech companies are generally protected from liability for third-party content. However, the plaintiffs focused on platform design elements such as “infinite scroll” and autoplay features to challenge these protections.
The trial saw numerous objections from the defense regarding potential overreaches into content-related matters.
This verdict comes amid mounting legal challenges for Meta. A New Mexico jury recently concluded that Meta’s platforms endanger children’s mental health and safety, imposing a $375 million penalty. Meta plans to appeal this decision as well, maintaining confidence in their efforts to safeguard teen users online.
Kaley’s lawsuit is considered a pioneering case, potentially shaping the outcomes of numerous similar lawsuits alleging intentional harm by social media companies. Initially, TikTok and Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, were also accused but settled before the trial commenced for undisclosed amounts.
