YouTube Appeals Social Media Addiction Verdict: Not a Social Platform?
YouTube has appealed the landmark social media addiction verdict, joining Meta. Its argument: YouTube is not a social media platform.
July 15, 2026 – 9:20 pm
Image by: YouTube
YouTube, owned by Google, has filed an appeal against the verdict in a Los Angeles case where a 20-year-old woman, known as Kaley, claimed she became addicted to social media as a child, causing damage to her mental health. The jury found both YouTube and Meta negligent in March, awarding Kaley $3 million in damages.
“Not a social media platform” was YouTube’s main defense during the five-week trial. They argued that their service is for video sharing and streaming, setting them apart from platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Both companies also invoked Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content.
YouTube’s spokesperson, José Castañeda, called the appeals process standard for cases of this nature. Kaley’s lead attorney, Mark Lanier, however, predicts the appellate court will uphold the original verdict.
This case could have significant implications as it is the first of its kind and may set a precedent for thousands of similar claims against social media firms. TikTok and Snap settled out before this trial began, while Meta faces potential costs exceeding its AI budget in these child-safety cases. YouTube, on the other hand, insists it should never have been categorized with them.