Meta is facing a major legal challenge in the United States over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to keep children hooked, as 29 states seek billions of dollars in penalties and changes to how the platforms operate.
The company rejected the accusations as the trial opened in a federal court in Oakland, California, setting the stage for a case that could force changes to two of the world’s biggest social media platforms.
The states, led by California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, accuse Meta of deliberately designing features that encourage young users to spend more time on Facebook and Instagram.
They allege that the platforms have contributed to anxiety, depression and other mental health problems among young people, while also accusing Meta of misleading the public about the safety of its services.
All 29 states are also accusing the company of violating federal law by collecting and using children’s personal information improperly.
During opening arguments, Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, told the eight-member jury that Meta’s business model was built around keeping users on its platforms for as long as possible and collecting their data.
She argued that the strategy was particularly effective among children and teenagers.
Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some users have experienced difficulties with social media but disputed the claim that the platforms are responsible for poor wellbeing among adolescents.
Schmidt said research did not establish a clear connection between teenagers’ use of social media and a decline in their wellbeing.
He also told jurors that Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and the company wanted to improve the platforms rather than make them harmful to users.
The case could have major financial and operational consequences for Meta if the judge rules against the company.
Jurors are expected to issue an advisory verdict, while US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will ultimately decide whether Meta is liable.
The judge could impose civil penalties and order changes to the way Facebook and Instagram operate.
Meta has estimated that the potential penalties could reach $1.4 trillion, a figure close to the company’s current market value. State attorneys general have put the possible figure at about $200 billion.
The four lead states are also seeking changes to Facebook and Instagram, including removing features such as likes and infinite scrolling, introducing time limits for younger users and strengthening measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms.
The case is part of a much wider legal battle over the impact of social media on children.
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Meta, Snap, TikTok owner ByteDance and YouTube parent Alphabet are facing thousands of lawsuits from state and local governments, school districts and individuals over allegations that their platforms harm young users.
Former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar was the first witness called by the states after opening arguments.
Bejar has previously testified that Meta was aware that some of its child-safety tools were ineffective and has appeared as a witness against the company in four other trials.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
