Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by a group of 29 U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to make children addicted to its Facebook and Instagram platforms for financial gain as a significant trial began on Tuesday. The states are suing Meta, seeking potentially substantial financial penalties and demanding changes to the company’s business practices.
California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are leading the charge against Meta, accusing the company of designing Facebook and Instagram to engage young users in harmful ways, leading to mental health issues and even suicide. The states also claim that Meta violated federal law by improperly collecting and using children’s personal data.
The trial in the federal court in Oakland, Calif., is considered a crucial legal test on the impact of social media on young users. Meta, along with other social media giants like Snap, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and YouTube’s parent company Alphabet, face numerous lawsuits from various entities over the potential harm caused to young users by their platforms.
During the trial’s opening statements, Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, accused Meta of prioritizing user engagement, data harvesting, and concealing the truth from the public. She highlighted the company’s focus on attracting and retaining young users while neglecting their safety.
Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some social media users face challenges but argued that there is no definitive link between social media use and well-being issues among adolescents. He emphasized Meta’s commitment to enhancing its services and ensuring user safety rather than endangering them.
The trial’s jury is expected to provide an advisory verdict, which the presiding judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, will consider in determining Meta’s liability. If found liable, Meta could face civil penalties and be required to implement changes to its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The states involved are pushing for significant alterations, including removing features like likes and infinite scrolls, setting time limits for younger users, and implementing stricter measures for children under 13.
The trial’s first witness, former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, testified against the company, alleging that Meta disregarded child safety concerns and prioritized rapid product deployment over safety considerations. Bejar’s testimony shed light on the company’s internal culture and approach to child safety on its platforms.
As the trial unfolds, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri are expected to testify. The case is projected to last six weeks, with Meta’s stock experiencing fluctuations amid the legal proceedings. Critics of Meta have voiced concerns outside the courthouse, highlighting the potential dangers of social media platforms, especially for vulnerable users like children.
The lawsuit against Meta originated in 2023, following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations about the company’s knowledge of the risks posed to children by its products. Recent legal actions, including a substantial penalty imposed by a New Mexico court and ongoing litigation in Tennessee, underscore the growing scrutiny and legal challenges facing Meta over its platform practices.