Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by a group of 29 U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to create addiction among children using its Facebook and Instagram platforms for financial gain. The trial, which began on Tuesday, could have significant implications for some of the most widely used apps globally.
The states, comprising a bipartisan coalition, are suing Meta and are seeking substantial financial penalties, potentially reaching tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars, along with demanding alterations to Meta’s business practices. The lead states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, have accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to attract and engage young users, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. They also allege that Meta misled consumers regarding the safety of its platforms 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 taking place in an Oakland, Calif., federal court has attracted significant attention. Apart from Meta, other social media giants like Snap, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and YouTube’s parent company Alphabet are facing numerous lawsuits from various entities and individuals questioning the potential harms their products pose to young users.
During the trial’s opening statements, Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, accused Meta of a business strategy focused on engaging users, extracting their data, and concealing the truth from the public. O’Neill emphasized that this strategy particularly targeted children, highlighting Meta’s need for young users and its obligation to assure concerned individuals about the safety of children using its platforms.
Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some social media users encounter challenges but cited research indicating no definitive link between adolescents’ social media use and their well-being. He emphasized that Meta’s co-founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, shared the company’s commitment to enhancing its services rather than endangering users.
The trial jury is expected to provide an advisory verdict that U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will consider when determining Meta’s responsibility. If Meta is found liable, Judge Rogers could impose civil penalties and mandate alterations to the operations of Facebook and Instagram, potentially resulting in penalties as high as $1.4 trillion, close to the market value of the Menlo Park-based company.
The attorneys general involved in the case suggested that the penalties could amount to approximately $200 billion, equivalent to three years of Meta’s after-tax profits. Additionally, the states are advocating for substantial changes to Facebook and Instagram, including the elimination of features like likes and infinite scroll, setting time restrictions for younger users, and enforcing controls to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms.
Following the conclusion of opening arguments, former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar testified as the states’ initial witness. Bejar, who has previously criticized Meta for ineffective child safety measures, revealed internal practices at Meta that prioritized rapid deployment of products over safety considerations, leading to potential risks for young users. The trial is anticipated to continue for six weeks, with testimonies expected from key figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram.
Critics of Meta gathered outside the courthouse as the trial commenced, with individuals sharing personal stories of harm caused by social media platforms. The trial, which began in 2023 following whistleblower revelations, reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young users.