Legal challenges targeting Meta and Google have commenced, alleging the companies’ platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, particularly for young users. The lawsuits, filed in Los Angeles on Monday, February 9, 2026, claim that features on Instagram and YouTube exploit psychological vulnerabilities, leading to compulsive use and potential harm.
The legal actions seek a restructuring of the algorithms that power these social media platforms. An attorney representing the plaintiffs called for a “radical overhaul” of the systems, suggesting a complete shutdown of the algorithms as a potential remedy. This move underscores growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health and well-being.
The cases raise questions about the distinction between problematic social media use and outright addiction. Legal arguments center on whether the platforms’ design constitutes a defect that makes them unreasonably dangerous. The lawsuits allege that Meta and Google prioritized user engagement and profit over the safety of their users, particularly children.
Alongside the claims of addictive design, Meta is also facing legal scrutiny over allegations of facilitating child sexual abuse. These separate proceedings add to the mounting pressure on the tech giant to address concerns about harmful content on its platforms. The company has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of these latest legal challenges.
The lawsuits in Los Angeles follow similar legal battles unfolding elsewhere. The cases highlight a broader trend of increased regulatory and legal scrutiny of the tech industry’s practices, particularly regarding data privacy, market dominance, and the impact of social media on society. The outcome of these cases could have significant implications for the future of social media regulation and platform design.
The legal proceedings come as Meta prepares to launch subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These plans will focus on offering users access to artificial intelligence features and exclusive content, potentially providing a new revenue stream for the company. This move could be seen as a response to increasing regulatory pressures and a desire to diversify revenue sources beyond advertising.
