Meta and Google sued over design features alleged to create child addiction in Los Angeles trial

Summary

A federal trial in Los Angeles is examining claims that Meta and Google deliberately engineered features such as infinite scroll, autoplay videos, and constant notifications to foster addiction among children. Plaintiffs argue these design elements function like a drug, citing internal documents and testimony from former Meta employee Arturo Béjar. The companies contend they have taken steps to make their platforms safer. The case is being compared to historic tobacco litigation and could set precedents for corporate responsibility in digital product design.