Meta Platforms denied allegations made by several U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to make children addicted to its Facebook and Instagram services for financial gain as a significant trial began on Tuesday. A group of 29 states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, filed a lawsuit against Meta, seeking hefty penalties and changes in the company’s operations. The states accused Meta of creating Facebook and Instagram with features meant to engage young users excessively, leading to mental health issues and deceptive safety claims. They also accused Meta of breaching federal laws by mishandling children’s personal data.
The trial in the federal court in Oakland, California, is seen as a critical legal test of social media’s impact on young users, with Meta and other tech giants facing numerous lawsuits alleging harm to minors. California’s Deputy Attorney General Megan O’Neill told the jury that Meta’s strategy was to engage and retain users, gather their data, and conceal the truth, especially targeting children for these practices.
Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged challenges faced by some social media users but argued that there was no conclusive evidence linking adolescent social media use to well-being issues. He emphasized Meta’s commitment to enhancing its services for user safety.
The jury is anticipated to provide a non-binding advisory verdict, aiding U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in determining Meta’s liability. If found liable, Meta could face substantial civil penalties and be required to make alterations to its platforms. The states are pushing for changes such as removing features like likes and infinite scrolling on Facebook and Instagram, imposing time restrictions for young users, and enforcing stricter controls for children under 13.
The trial witnessed the testimony of former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, who criticized Meta’s approach to child safety and its product development practices. Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are expected to testify during the six-week trial. Meta’s stock prices declined on Tuesday, closing down at $543.67 US.
While the states clarified they do not intend to shut down Meta, they accused the company of exploiting children by studying their behavioral responses to online content and tracking their interactions on the platforms. Critics outside the courthouse, like Mary Rodee, shared personal stories of harm caused by social media platforms, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2023 following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations, highlights growing concerns about tech companies like Meta and their impact on young users. Recent legal actions and court orders against Meta underscore the heightened scrutiny and legal challenges facing major social media companies.