Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by a group of 29 U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to make children dependent on its Facebook and Instagram platforms for financial gain. The trial, which began on Tuesday, could have significant implications for these widely-used social media apps.
The states, forming a bipartisan coalition, are suing Meta and are seeking potentially enormous penalties amounting to tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars, along with demanding changes to Meta’s business practices. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, as the lead states, have accused Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram in a way that hooks young users, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. They also alleged that Meta misled consumers about the platforms’ safety and violated federal laws by improperly collecting and utilizing children’s personal data.
Described as a major legal test of social media’s impact on young users, the trial in the federal court of Oakland, California, saw opening statements being presented. Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, informed the jury that Meta’s strategy was to engage users, gather their data, and conceal the truth from the public, especially targeting children. She emphasized that Meta needed to attract and retain young users while assuring their safety.
In response, Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some social media users face challenges but highlighted that research has not definitively linked adolescents’ social media use to diminished well-being. He emphasized that Meta, including its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, aims to enhance services rather than jeopardize user safety.
The trial’s outcome will be determined by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. If Meta is found liable, civil penalties could be imposed, and changes to Facebook and Instagram may be mandated, potentially affecting Meta’s market value significantly.
States such as California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are pushing for substantial reforms to Facebook and Instagram, including removing features like likes and infinite scrolling, imposing time restrictions on younger users, and implementing measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms.
The trial began with former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar testifying as the states’ initial witness. Bejar criticized Meta for prioritizing speed over safety and failing to adequately monitor the presence of children under 13 on its platforms. Further testimonies are expected from high-profile figures within Meta, including Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri.
Critics of Meta gathered outside the courthouse as the trial commenced, expressing concerns about the impact of social media on children. The lawsuit, initiated in 2023 following revelations by whistleblower Frances Haugen, has gained momentum with recent court orders holding Meta accountable for its platforms’ effects on mental health and well-being. Tennessee’s lawsuit against Meta, focusing on similar issues related to Instagram, is concurrently being heard in Nashville.