United States: Verdicts against Meta and Google could revolutionize the liability of digital giants

Two court decisions in the United States against Meta and Google could mark a major turning point in the regulation of digital platforms.

For the first time in this type of case, juries have found the two companies responsible for harm suffered by minors, including depressive disorders and suicidal thoughts linked to intensive use of their services.

In California, a Los Angeles jury ordered Meta and Google to pay $6 million to a young woman who became addicted to Instagram and YouTube from a very young age.

In another case in New Mexico, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million for misleading users about the security of its platforms and enabling the sexual exploitation of minors.

These decisions weaken the legal protection offered by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which usually protects technology companies from lawsuits related to content published by their users.

The plaintiffs managed to circumvent this barrier by challenging not the content, but the very design of the platforms, which they accused of promoting addictive and dangerous behavior.

Meta and Google have announced their intention to appeal, opening the door to a legal battle that could go all the way to the Supreme Court.

This development could have major consequences for the entire technology sector, which is facing thousands of similar procedures.

It reignites the debate on the responsibility of digital platforms, particularly with regard to the protection of minors.

Ultimately, these cases could redefine the balance between innovation, freedom of expression and regulation of digital giants.