Meta and YouTube Found Liable in Landmark California Social Media Trial

On March 25th, 2026, a California jury delivered a landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube in a closely watched social media addiction trial, awarding $6 million in damages to the plaintiff after finding both companies liable for negligence and failure to warn. The jury allocated 70% of the fault to Meta and 30% to Google/YouTube.

The case is widely viewed as a significant moment in the growing effort to hold social media companies accountable for the harms allegedly caused by addictive platform design, particularly as to children and young users. News coverage has described the case as a landmark trial and a potential bellwether for thousands of related cases pending across the country.

Kiesel Law LLP was proud to be part of the plaintiff’s trial team in this important case. The trial team included Paul Kiesel and Mariana McConnell of Kiesel Law LLP, alongside Mark Lanier and The Lanier Law Firm, in helping secure this major result. The verdict sends a strong message about the need for accountability when platform design contributes to serious harm.