#9: Global Media Law or Ethics
A highly relevant and recent example of global media law and ethics is the growing wave of lawsuits against social media companies for harm caused to minors, particularly the 2025–2026 cases where platforms like Meta and YouTube were found liable in U.S. courts. These cases represent a major shift in how legal systems are beginning to treat digital media platforms—not just as neutral hosts of content, but as entities that may bear responsibility for the psychological and social impacts of their design. In one landmark case in 2026, a jury in California found that Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook ) and YouTube could be held legally responsible for harm caused to a young user who developed mental health issues linked to excessive social media use. The plaintiff argued that these platforms were intentionally designed with addictive features that targeted young users, prioritizing engagement and profit over user well-being. The jury agreed, awarding millions in damages and sign...
