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Meta Platforms is facing one of its biggest legal challenges over the impact of social media on young users, with a coalition of 29 US states taking the company to trial over allegations involving Facebook and Instagram. The case, which began with jury selection on August 12, could have major implications for how social media companies design and operate platforms used by children and teenagers.
The lawsuit accused Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to keep young users engaged and of misleading consumers about the safety of its products. State attorneys general also alleged that the company illegally collected children's personal data.
The case is being led by attorneys general from states including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. It represents one of the broadest state-level challenges yet to Meta's approach to youth safety.
Prosecutors are expected to focus on features such as algorithm-driven recommendations and design elements that can encourage prolonged use. They are also seeking changes to the way Meta's platforms operate for younger audiences.
Potential remedies could include stronger age restrictions, changes to recommendation algorithms and the removal or modification of features such as infinite scrolling. The states argued that changes to platform design were necessary to reduce risks faced by young users.
A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagreed with the allegations and was confident evidence would show its longstanding commitment to supporting young people.
"We've listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most," the spokesperson said in a statement.
Meta and other major social media companies faced a growing wave of lawsuits across the US. Google's YouTube, TikTok owner ByteDance and Snap are also facing legal claims alleging that their platforms contribute to harmful or addictive patterns among young users. Thousands of cases have been filed by states, school districts and individual plaintiffs.
The latest case is particularly important since it could go beyond financial penalties. If regulators make significant changes to Meta's products, the outcome could influence how technology companies design social media services for minors.
The potential financial exposure is also substantial. The coalition's claims could result in damages reaching as much as $1.4 trillion, although the final outcome and any penalties remain uncertain.
"Meta knows its platforms are harming children and teens but continues to keep kids addicted, as we’ve alleged in our lawsuit," New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a statement ahead of the trial. "Our kids are not data points to be monetized."
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The California trial comes after several recent setbacks for Meta. A New Mexico court recently ordered the company to pay $567 million and make changes aimed at improving protections for young users after finding that its platforms harmed children.
A US appeals court has also allowed thousands of separate lawsuits against Meta and other technology companies to move forward. The companies had argued that federal protections under Section 230 should shield them from some of the claims.
Jury selection in the California case began on August 12, while opening statements are expected on August 18. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri are among the executives expected to testify.
