In brief
A high‑profile lawsuit brought by 29 U.S. states accuses Meta of deliberately courting children on Facebook and Instagram, potentially violating privacy laws and fostering addiction. California’s lead attorney presented internal research and company email logs indicating that the platforms were designed to keep teens engaged for profit. Meta’s defense highlighted its record of over 100,000 under‑age users and argued that addiction cannot be proven legally. The trial will last six weeks, with the jury weighing evidence that may force changes to the platforms’ core features.
Meta faces courtroom scrutiny after a lawsuit from 29 U.S. states alleges the company intentionally hooked millions of 11‑ and 12‑year‑olds on Facebook and Instagram, potentially breaching federal and state privacy laws.
The case, filed in August 2023, contends that the social‑media giant knowingly created features that keep teens engaged for profit while hiding the true impact on their mental health. A twelve‑member jury in Oakland will hear evidence for the next six weeks, including internal documents and employee communications that suggest Meta “knows teens have an addict’s narrative about use.”
California’s lead attorney, Megan O'Neill, highlighted a study stating that one in five teens reported feeling worse after using Instagram, countered by Meta’s point‑of‑view that no addiction exists and that most users feel better or unaffected. Meta, through lead counsel Paul Schmidt, also argued that data privacy laws prevent them from fully verifying users’ ages, complicating their ability to guard minors.
Beyond the courtroom, states seek billions in damages and demand changes to platform features such as like counts and infinite scroll, hoping to protect young users from media harm. The trial’s outcome could set precedent for how tech companies balance profit with child‑privacy responsibilities.
