Meta Platforms denied allegations made by a group of 29 U.S. states claiming that the company deliberately aimed to addict children to its Facebook and Instagram platforms for financial gain as a significant trial commenced on Tuesday. The states are seeking significant penalties and changes to Meta’s business practices, accusing the company of designing its platforms to engage young users, leading to mental health issues and deceptive safety practices. The trial, viewed as a major legal test on the impact of social media on young individuals, also involves other tech giants like Snap, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and YouTube’s parent company Alphabet facing similar legal challenges.
During the trial in Oakland, Calif., Deputy Attorney General Megan O’Neill accused Meta of prioritizing user engagement to harvest data while disregarding the well-being of young users. Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged the challenges faced by some social media users but argued that there was no substantial evidence linking adolescents’ social media usage to diminished well-being. Schmidt emphasized Meta’s commitment to enhancing its services and ensuring user safety rather than promoting harmful practices.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, involves testimonies from witnesses such as former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, who highlighted the company’s lack of concern for child safety measures. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri are anticipated to testify in the trial. If found liable, Meta could face civil penalties and be mandated to implement changes to its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The states are seeking modifications like removing features such as likes and infinite scroll, setting time limits for younger users, and imposing stricter regulations to protect children under 13 online.
Outside the courthouse, critics of Meta gathered as the trial commenced, with some sharing personal stories of harm caused by social media platforms. The lawsuit against Meta initiated in 2023 following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations to the U.S. Senate committee. Recent legal actions, including a New Mexico court ordering Meta to address teenagers’ mental health concerns, reflect the growing scrutiny on tech companies’ impact on young users. Tennessee’s attorney general also has an ongoing lawsuit against Meta in Nashville, echoing similar concerns about Instagram’s effects on users.
