Meta faces landmark trial over social media addiction claims as states seek up to $1.4 trillion in penalties

Four US states have hauled Meta into federal court in Oakland, California, alleging the company deliberately engineered Instagram and Facebook with addictive features designed to hook children and teenagers. The trial, which began on August 18, represents the most significant legal challenge Meta has faced over claims that its platforms harm minors. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are collectively seeking penalties estimated between $200 billion and $1.4 trillion. What the states are arguing The core allegation is straightforward: Meta knew its platforms were causing mental health damage to young users and chose profits over protection. The states claim the company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, known as COPPA, by collecting data on users under the age of 13. The plaintiffs also argue Meta actively concealed known mental health risks associated with its platforms. This bellwether trial stems from a broader multi-district lawsuit initiated in 2023, originally involving 29 states. The four states selected for this initial trial are essentially test cases. Their outcome will likely shape how hundreds of remaining claims proceed. The trial is expe...