Australian law firms are exploring potential legal action against social media giants Meta and YouTube following a landmark US jury verdict that found the companies had deliberately designed their platforms to be addictive, lawyers say.
The development signals a possible new front in the global legal battle against big tech, with Australian legal experts indicating that domestic courts may be receptive to holding social media companies accountable for the real-world harm their platforms cause to users, particularly children and young people.
The US verdict marked a significant moment in litigation against the social media industry, which has faced growing scrutiny over the psychological impact of its products. Plaintiffs in the American case argued that algorithms and design features were intentionally engineered to maximise engagement and keep users hooked, often at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.
Australian lawyers are now assessing whether similar claims could succeed under local law, pointing to a broader cultural and legal shift in how courts view the responsibilities of technology platforms. The question of whether Australian legislation and common law principles could support such cases is now being actively examined.
The push comes as concerns about the mental health effects of social media on young Australians have intensified in recent years. Australia has already positioned itself as a global leader in regulating social media, with the federal government passing legislation last year to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms.
Meta and YouTube, owned by Alphabet, are among the most widely used platforms in Australia, with millions of users accessing their services daily. Both companies have previously defended their platforms and the safety measures they have in place, though critics argue those measures remain insufficient.
Legal experts note that any Australian cases would likely face significant challenges, including questions around jurisdiction, the applicability of US findings to Australian courts, and the burden of proving direct harm caused by platform design. Nevertheless, lawyers say the US verdict strengthens the overall argument that these companies were aware of the addictive nature of their products.
The investigations by Australian law firms suggest that the legal pressure on social media companies is set to grow, as communities around the world demand greater accountability from an industry that has profoundly reshaped how people, especially young people, interact with the world.
