Meta Platforms has denied the allegations made by a group of 29 U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to addict children to its Facebook and Instagram platforms for financial gain. The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, could potentially impact some of the most widely used apps globally.
The bipartisan coalition of states is suing Meta, seeking significant financial penalties and changes to the company’s operational practices. Lead states including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey have accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to engage young users, leading to mental health issues and deceptive safety practices. All 29 states have accused Meta of breaching federal laws by improperly gathering and utilizing children’s personal data.
Described as a major legal test on social media’s impact on young users, the trial in Oakland, Calif., federal court began with opening statements. Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, informed the jury that Meta’s business strategy revolved around engaging users, gathering their data, and concealing the truth from the public, particularly targeting children for success and safety reassurance.
Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged the challenges faced by some social media users but cited research that did not establish a direct correlation between adolescents’ social media use and their well-being. Schmidt emphasized Meta’s commitment, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, to enhancing services and ensuring user safety.
The trial’s proceedings will see a jury providing an advisory verdict, which will guide U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in determining Meta’s liability. If Meta is found liable, civil penalties and alterations to Facebook and Instagram could be imposed, with potential penalties reaching up to $1.4 trillion US, close to the company’s market value.
The states, California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, are advocating for significant changes to Facebook and Instagram, such as eliminating features like likes and infinite scrolling, setting time limits for young users, and imposing restrictions to safeguard children under 13 while online.
The trial also featured the testimony of former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, who highlighted Meta’s lack of effective child safety tools and its negligence in monitoring underage users. Bejar mentioned the company’s hasty product deployment without considering safety implications, including features like Reels short-form videos.
As the trial progresses, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri are expected to testify. The trial, spanning six weeks, has seen Meta’s stock trading lower, closing down at $543.67 US. Critics of Meta, including individuals affected by social media-related tragedies, have voiced concerns outside the courthouse as the legal battle unfolds.
The lawsuit against Meta originated in 2023 following revelations by whistleblower Frances Haugen regarding the company’s knowledge of product safety issues for children. Recent legal actions and court orders against Meta indicate a growing focus on social media platforms’ accountability and impact on young users, with ongoing lawsuits raising similar concerns in other states like Tennessee.