TikTok, Meta and YouTube face landmark trial over claims they harmed children

Jury selection begins this week in Los Angeles for a bellwether trial alleging Meta's Instagram, TikTok and YouTube were designed in ways that harmed children; the trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

Jury selection begins this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court for a bellwether trial that names Meta's Instagram, ByteDance's TikTok and Google's YouTube. Plaintiffs allege the platforms were deliberately designed to foster addiction and worsen mental health among children. A 19-year-old identified as KGM leads one of the bellwether cases selected to test arguments from both sides. The trial is expected to run six to eight weeks and executives are reported to be among potential witnesses. Key points: - Jury selection starts this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court for a bellwether trial involving major social media companies. - The lawsuit alleges deliberate product design intended to increase youth engagement and harm young users' mental health. - A plaintiff identified as KGM is the lead bellwether case and will represent similar claims in court. - The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, and Snap Inc. settled a related claim last week. Summary: This bellwether trial will test claims that platform design intentionally harmed children and could influence many related lawsuits. Jury selection is underway in Los Angeles and the courtroom proceedings are scheduled to continue over the coming weeks.