The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have expressed their strong support for a recent groundbreaking verdict which found technology giants Meta and YouTube liable in a significant case concerning social media addiction. The Los Angeles jury determined that these platforms acted negligently, contributing to the harm faced by a young woman who linked her struggles with mental wellbeing to their addictive designs.
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The Royal couple released a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE in response to the verdict, characterising it as a key moment for families impacted by social media. “This verdict is a reckoning,” they asserted. “For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach. We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard, and precedent has been set.”
In the case, the plaintiff claimed that social media platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive, which adversely affected her life as she grew. The jury sided with her, requiring Meta and YouTube to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of the total. Additionally, the jury indicated that punitive damages would also be pursued, responding to findings of malice and fraud, though the specific amounts are yet to be determined.
The couple elaborated on the significance of the verdict in a detailed statement on their official website. Noting that the decision represents a broader shift in accountability regarding tech companies, they noted, “Today’s verdict in Los Angeles and yesterday’s ruling in New Mexico are landmark victories for families, advocates, and young people everywhere.” They went on to declare that “justice has caught up to Big Tech,” emphasising that the fault lies not with parents but in the design of these social media products, which they described as engineered to exploit users rather than to provide protection.
In reaction to the verdict, representatives for Meta and YouTube expressed their disagreement with the jury’s findings. A spokesperson for Meta stated, “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options,” emphasising that the connections between teen mental health and specific apps are complex. Google representatives echoed this sentiment, asserting that the ruling mischaracterises YouTube, which they described as a responsibly designed streaming platform rather than a social media outlet.
The Duke and Duchess have long been vocal about the risks that social media poses to young individuals. Through their charitable organisation, renamed Archewell Philanthropies, they have placed a strong emphasis on online safety, particularly regarding the mental health impacts on children and teenagers. This commitment has sharpened through the Archewell Parents’ Network, which seeks to support families affected by harmful online experiences.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry met with families who have taken legal actions against platforms like Instagram and YouTube, directly acknowledging their struggles. In a poignant video shared by the BBC, he expressed gratitude to these families for their bravery in sharing their stories, stating, “Truth, justice, and accountability — those are the three things that will come from this.”
The couple has also intensified public awareness regarding these issues through a number of notable initiatives. During a visit to New York City last year, they unveiled the Lost Screen Memorial, a striking display featuring 50 smartphones, each with the lock screen photo of a child who tragically lost their life due to the detrimental effects of social media. This installation was a collaboration with parents from the Archewell Parents’ Network and aimed to demand stronger online protection measures.
As the conversation around social media’s impact on mental health continues to grow, the ruling against Meta and YouTube is poised to spark further discussions and legislative initiatives aimed at protecting children from potential harms associated with these platforms. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain steadfast advocates for change, pushing for an environment that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of young people within digital spaces.