Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to engage children with its Facebook and Instagram platforms for profit, as a trial that could significantly impact some of the most widely used apps commenced on Tuesday. A group of 29 U.S. states, spanning across party lines, is taking legal action against Meta, seeking potentially massive financial penalties and alterations to Meta’s business practices.
Lead states including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey have accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to attract young users, leading to increased levels of stress, depression, and even suicide among them. Furthermore, all 29 states have accused Meta of breaching federal laws by improperly collecting and utilizing children’s personal information.
The trial, described by experts as a significant legal examination of social media’s impact on young users, began in Oakland, California, with opening statements presented. Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, highlighted Meta’s business strategy as focusing on enticing and retaining users, extracting their data, and concealing information from the public.
During the trial, it was revealed that Meta’s co-founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, shared the company’s commitment to enhancing services rather than endangering users. The jury will provide an advisory verdict, which could influence U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ final decision on Meta’s accountability. If found liable, Meta could face substantial civil penalties and be required to make alterations to Facebook and Instagram.
Furthermore, the states are advocating for Meta to revamp its platforms by eliminating features such as likes and infinite scrolling, imposing time limits for young users, and enforcing restrictions to prevent children under 13 from accessing these platforms. The trial is anticipated to span six weeks, with testimonies expected from Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri.
Outside the courtroom, critics of Meta gathered, including individuals who shared personal stories of harm caused by social media platforms. The trial, which commenced in 2023 following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s disclosures, has garnered significant attention and could have lasting implications for social media companies and their interactions with young users worldwide.