• A major trial has begun against Meta and YouTube over allegations they designed platforms to be addictive for children.
• Both companies face claims that their platforms have led to severe mental health issues among young users.
• The trial could set a significant legal precedent, affecting similar cases across the United States.
• Internal documents and expert testimonies suggest the platforms were designed with addictive features.
• Mark Zuckerberg and other executives are expected to testify during the proceedings.

The landmark trial against Meta and YouTube commenced on February 9 in Los Angeles, where the companies face allegations regarding their platforms' designs intended to addict children. The case centers around claims that these social media giants engineered their platforms to captivate young users, potentially leading to significant mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, according to Channel News Asia and CBS News.

During opening statements, attorney Mark Lanier for the plaintiffs articulated that the case represents more than individual suffering, asserting that it involves "two of the richest corporations in history" that have "engineered addiction in children's brains." He highlighted that social media platforms have been designed with features similar to those of gambling devices, aimed specifically at capturing and maintaining children's attention, as reported by Le Monde and CBS News.

One notable aspect of the trial is its potential implications for other ongoing and future lawsuits against social media companies. The case involves a 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, whose battle with addiction to these platforms is positioned as a representative case that could influence similar litigation across the country. Legal experts have drawn parallels to the historic tobacco lawsuits, indicating that the outcome may inspire a wave of similar cases alleging harmful practices by tech companies, as elaborated by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

The trial's proceedings are supported by findings from internal company documents that seemed to indicate an awareness of the harmful potentials of their products. Described as targeting younger audiences with addictive features, these allegations could challenge existing protections afforded to tech companies under laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, granting them immunity against liability for user-generated content, according to CBS News and Le Monde.

Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify, and their defense will argue against claims of addiction, pointing to extensive safety measures implemented to protect younger users. However, these statements may face scrutiny as evidence unfolds showing contradictory internal communications about the companies' practices, as noted by Channel News Asia and CBS News.