In a verdict that could redefine the legal landscape for Silicon Valley, a California jury has found Meta and Google liable for deliberately engineering addiction in their platforms, Instagram and YouTube, and causing lasting psychological harm to a young user who grew up on their apps.The jury awarded her $6 million in total — $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages — with Meta bearing 70 per cent ($4.2 million) of the liability and YouTube 30 per cent ($1.8 million) even as deliberations over punitive damages continue.Delivered after over 40 hours of deliberation in Los Angeles Superior Court, the decision marks the first major trial loss for the Big Tech on youth addiction claims.The petitioner, 20-year-old Kaley (identified by the court as KGM), alleged that the excessive use of these platforms starting at age six led to anxiety, body dysmorphia, depression and suicidal thoughts. She testified that she felt panicked without her phone, missed likes and notifications and uploaded over 300 YouTube videos by age 10.Jurors determined both companies failed to warn users of risks from features like auto-play, infinite scrolls and algorithms maximising engagement.Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified, with Mosseri calling “social media addiction” a misnomer for “problematic usage”. A Google representative stated, “This case (concerns) YouTube which is built for streaming, not social media.”The case was also filed against TikTok and Snapchat, but they settled pre-trial, underscoring mounting pressure on platforms. Meta has planned to file an appeal. “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. Teen mental health is profoundly complex,” a spokesperson said.This ruling pierces Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996, potentially influencing thousands of similar suits in the US and spurring reforms for child safety.The Act shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content. Experts predict tighter age limits, content filters and liability for youth harm. As digital natives grow, the verdict signals accountability for tech’s role in mental health crisis.