Economist Podcasts Algorithm and blues: a watershed social-media verdict
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Mar 26, 2026 
Tom Wainwright, The Economist’s media editor, unpacks a landmark California ruling against Meta and Google over addictive platform design. Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor, maps the maritime chokepoints that can snarl global trade and fuel conflict. Alex Selby-Boothroyd, head of data journalism, explores why animated films have become box-office juggernauts.
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How A Design-Based Lawsuit Beat Section 230
- Kaylee won damages by attacking platform design, not harmful posts, sidestepping Section 230’s usual shield for user content.
- Tom Wainwright says the case targeted autoplay, personalised algorithms, and infinite feeds as features that fostered addiction in children.
Why This Verdict Could Force Platform Redesigns
- The bigger threat to Meta and Google is not one $6m verdict but pressure to redesign addictive features and accept tighter regulation.
- Tom Wainwright links the case to thousands of lawsuits, EU action against TikTok, and under-16 social-media bans spreading from Australia.
Why Maritime Chokepoints Matter Again
- Maritime chokepoints matter more again because trade still moves by sea while conflict, missiles, and climate stress make narrow routes newly fragile.
- Anton LaGuardia points to Hormuz, Houthi attacks in Bab al-Mandab, Taiwan risks, Panama droughts, and an opening Arctic via the Bering Strait.