The story
Meta and YouTube have been found legally responsible for creating addictive platforms. Meta is the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp.
Kaley, known only by her first name, started the lawsuit against Meta and YouTube in Los Angeles in the US, claiming that they had negatively impacted her mental health. She received $6m in damages.
Meta argued that it’s worked over the years to fight these problems and promoted safe experiences for young people. However, a separate trial in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375m for misleading people about the child safety of their platforms.
News headlines
‘We’re having a moment‘ – fear and denial in Silicon Valley over social media addiction trial
BBC News
Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial
CNN
Meta and YouTube found liable on all counts in landmark trial that could reshape the future of social media
The Independent
Key words and phrases
having a moment
experiencing strong emotions for a short time
- I’m sorry for how I reacted earlier. I was stressed. I was having a moment.
find liable
legally decide that someone or something is responsible
- The company was found liable for not paying tax.
reshape
make something again, in a different form
- The covid pandemic reshaped the world of work.