Big Tech's First Child Safety Trial Begins: The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher

40 lawsuits across the US, potentially trillions in damages, and the future of social media hanging in the balance. The legal battles that began this week aren't just about corporate accountability—they're about redefining the relationship between technology and childhood.

For the first time, major social media companies face trial over allegations that their platforms deliberately harm children. Meta stands accused in New Mexico of failing to protect kids from sexually explicit content, while a California case claims both Meta and YouTube intentionally designed addictive features targeting young users.

The Addiction by Design Allegations

In the New Mexico courtroom, prosecutors painted a damning picture: "Meta put profits over safety," lawyer Donald Migliori told jurors. The state alleges that Facebook and Instagram's algorithms didn't just attract young users—they created a "breeding ground" for predators targeting children.

Perhaps most troubling are revelations about Meta's AI chatbots. Court documents show that even Meta's own safety staff objected to building chatbots designed for companionship, including sexual and romantic interactions. These chatbots launched in early 2024, but parental controls weren't added until October 2025—nearly two years later.

The California case centers on a 19-year-old identified as KGM, who claims early social media use led to addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The lawsuit alleges that defendants "deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue," borrowing techniques from slot machines and the tobacco industry.

Tech Giants Fight Back

Meta strongly disputes the claims, arguing that blaming social media companies oversimplifies complex mental health issues. "Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue," the company stated, pointing to factors like academic pressure, school safety, and socioeconomic challenges.

Google called the allegations against YouTube "simply not true," emphasizing its commitment to providing "young people with a safer, healthier experience."

But their defense reveals a fundamental tension: How do you maximize user engagement while protecting vulnerable young users?

The Existential Stakes

"An existential question for social media services is whether they're liable for harm suffered by users," explains Eric Goldman, a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law. "If so, the damages could be more money than the defendants have."

The implications extend far beyond social media. Goldman warns that successful arguments here could reshape liability for video games, generative AI, and other digital platforms. Already, lawsuits claim interactions with OpenAI's ChatGPT led to suicide and murder-suicide cases.

Interestingly, despite the legal uncertainty, Meta's stock rose more than 3% during midday trading—suggesting investors may not be overly concerned about the immediate financial impact.

A Global Reckoning

The trials come as governments worldwide grapple with regulating social media's impact on children. The EU's Digital Services Act, the UK's Online Safety Bill, and proposed US federal legislation all aim to increase platform accountability.

Parents, meanwhile, find themselves caught between wanting to protect their children and recognizing the social and educational benefits of digital platforms. The average American teenager spends over seven hours daily on screens, with social media comprising a significant portion.