Landmark trial on Meta’s impact on children’s mental health begins in US | Social Media News
Opening statements began Tuesday in a significant U.S. trial involving a bipartisan coalition of 29 states that have filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The states, including Colorado, California, New Jersey, and Kentucky, argue that the company’s popular social media platforms are designed in ways that negatively impact the mental health of young users.
The trial is being held in a federal court in California under District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers and is expected to last several weeks. Although there is a jury of eight, their role is advisory; Judge Rogers will make the final decision in the case.
Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general of California, stated in her opening remarks that Meta’s design encourages users to remain engaged with its apps for extended periods, enabling the company to collect data while obscuring the potential harms to users. She emphasized that this strategy is particularly effective among children.
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, contends that Meta intentionally designed its apps to attract and promote excessive use among younger audiences. It also alleges that the company collected data on children under 13 in violation of federal laws.
“Meta needed kids, and it needed to reassure the people who cared about those kids that the kids are safe,” O’Neill said.
In response to the lawsuit, Meta has consistently denied allegations concerning its practices. A company spokesperson claimed the states’ assertions are baseless and defended Meta’s track record on teen safety. The spokesperson noted the introduction of Instagram Teen Accounts in 2024, which include features aimed at limiting contact with minors and allow parents to manage their children’s usage.
“The State AGs may call this a landmark case, but their limited claims are unsubstantiated and their financial demands are vastly disproportionate,” said Stephanie Otway, a Meta spokesperson.
The lawsuit’s financial implications for Meta could be severe, with potential fines reaching up to $1.4 trillion—almost equal to its $1.5 trillion market cap. However, the coalition is seeking approximately $200 billion in fines. In a separate legal matter, Meta has already incurred $942 million in penalties as a result of a lawsuit in New Mexico.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in January, Meta acknowledged that the ongoing lawsuits related to youth social media usage could result in significant financial consequences.
Meta, along with other social media companies, has faced an increasing number of lawsuits across the country from cities, states, and individuals. The coalition of states is advocating for revisions to Meta’s platforms, including stricter age restrictions and the removal of features like the infinite scroll.
This legal action was sparked by a 2021 U.S. Senate committee hearing, where whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former Facebook data scientist, alleged that Meta knowingly prioritized profit over the well-being of young users.
Meta has attempted to dismiss the coalition lawsuit on multiple occasions, including seeking summary judgment, which would allow a court to rule without a trial. As the trial unfolds, Meta’s stock experienced a decline of more than 3 percent during midday trading on Wall Street.
