Earlier this week, a jury found Meta and Google liable in a case involving a woman who claimed she developed a social media addiction as a child. The court concluded that Google, which owns YouTube, and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, had designed their platforms in ways that encouraged prolonged use among younger audiences.
Both companies have rejected the ruling and confirmed they intend to appeal.
Harry and Meghan Welcome the Verdict
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have previously supported those pursuing legal action, described the outcome as a significant moment.
In a strongly worded statement, they said:
“This verdict is a reckoning. For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach.
“We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.”
They continued:
“Let this be the change – where our children’s safety is finally prioritised above profit.”