Statement on Landmark Social Media Trial Verdict in California

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2026—Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement on the verdict in a landmark trial in which Meta and Google faced claims that their platforms are designed to addict children:

"First of all, we owe the plaintiff and their family an enormous debt of gratitude for coming forward with this complaint.

"This verdict is a powerful recognition of what Common Sense Media and families across the country have known for years: Social media companies deliberately design their platforms to keep kids hooked, consequences to their mental and physical health be damned. The momentum for change is no longer building. It's here.

"Social media giants would never have faced trial if they had prioritized kids' safety over engagement. Instead, they buried their own research showing children were being harmed, and used kids and society as guinea pigs in massive, uncontrolled, and wildly profitable experiments. Now, executives are being held to account.

"This verdict, along with other recent court rulings, should embolden lawmakers in California and across the country to use their authority to force real change in how these companies design and operate their products. We must keep pushing, advancing, and enforcing stronger laws for social media and AI youth safety."

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.