By Mike Swift ( October 22, 2026, 00:19 GMT | Insight) -- Legal costs were again a key element of the 68 percent jump in expenses Meta Platforms recorded in the third quarter of 2026, it said Wednesday. The social media giant recorded a $9.9 billion expense as part of a settlement with 52 state and territorial attorneys general of claims that Meta's apps were designed to be addictive, triggering mental health harms for young users. Chief Financial Officer Susan Li told investors that Meta faces additional youth-related trials soon that could impact future costs, and "significantly impact our business and financial results."Legal costs, including from youth-related addictive-design trials, are one of three factors that caused Meta Platforms' expenses to mushroom by 68 percent in the third quarter compared to last year, even as the social media giant warned about additional US trials in coming months....
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