Google and Meta lose bid for retrial in youth social media harm lawsuit
Google and Meta's appeal dismissed as both firms vow to continue fighting the verdict
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl has denied petitions by Meta Platforms and Google's YouTube for a new trial, on Tuesday, after a Los Angeles jury found both tech giants liable for building social media platforms harmful to young users.
Judge upholds jury verdict
The case centres on a 20-year-old plaintiff identified as K.G.M. In March 2026, a Los Angeles jury concluded that both Google and Meta Platforms deliberately designed addictive features that contributed to anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.
$6 million in damages
The jury awarded $6 million in damages following its liability finding. Meta was held responsible for 70% of that amount, while Google was assigned the remaining 30%.
Appeals set to continue
Both companies subsequently petitioned the court to set aside the verdict, arguing against the negligence finding. Those motions have now been denied.
Google and Meta have indicated their intent to keep appealing the decision. The court's denial of their motion to set aside the verdict preserves the legal precedent established by the initial trial.
