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Google to Appeal Ruling in Teen Addiction Case

Published March 26, 2026, 20:19
Google to Appeal Ruling in Teen Addiction Case

Google has announced it will appeal a US court ruling that found it liable for the digital addiction of a minor. The case, alongside Meta (Instagram), concerns allegations that the design of social media platforms contributed to the plaintiff's addiction, impacting her mental health. Google disagrees with the verdict, arguing that YouTube is a streaming platform and not a social network. The court ordered the payment of $6 million in damages, with Meta taking 70% and YouTube 30%. Meta also intends to appeal, emphasizing the complexity of adolescent mental health issues. This case is expected to have significant implications for how social media platforms are designed and operated, as well as their responsibility for the mental well-being of their users.