Meta Platforms has denied allegations made by U.S. states that it deliberately aimed to make children addicted to its Facebook and Instagram platforms to maximize profits as a significant trial began on Tuesday. A bipartisan group of 29 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit against Meta, seeking potentially massive financial penalties and reforms to Meta’s business practices.
California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, as the lead states, have accused Meta of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to engage young users, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicide. The states have also accused Meta of breaching federal laws by improperly collecting and utilizing children’s personal data.
The ongoing trial in an Oakland, Calif., federal court is considered a pivotal legal examination of the impact of social media on young users. Meta, along with other social media giants like Snap, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and YouTube’s parent company Alphabet, face numerous lawsuits from various entities and individuals regarding the potential harm their platforms cause to young users.
During the trial’s opening statements, Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, asserted that Meta’s business strategy focused on engaging users, gathering their data, and concealing the truth from the public. She highlighted that this strategy was particularly effective with children and emphasized the importance of ensuring their safety.
Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some social media users encounter challenges but emphasized that research has not conclusively linked adolescents’ social media usage to diminished well-being. Schmidt also emphasized Meta’s commitment to enhancing its services rather than endangering its users.
The trial’s outcome will be determined by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who could potentially impose civil penalties and mandate alterations to Facebook and Instagram if Meta is found liable. Meta has warned that the penalties could reach up to $1.4 trillion US, nearly equivalent to the company’s market value.
California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are seeking substantial changes to Facebook and Instagram, including eliminating features like likes and infinite scrolling, implementing time restrictions for young users, and enforcing measures to prevent children under 13 from accessing the platforms.
Arturo Bejar, a former Meta safety engineer, testified as the first witness for the states, alleging that Meta was aware that its child safety tools were ineffective. Bejar highlighted Meta’s approach of prioritizing rapid product deployment over safety considerations, citing instances where safety was disregarded in favor of launching new features.
Critics of Meta gathered outside the court as the trial commenced, with individuals sharing personal stories of the negative impacts of social media use. Mary Rodee, whose son tragically died by suicide after encountering issues on Facebook, emphasized the need for accountability and protection of children in the digital realm.
The lawsuit against Meta originated in 2023 following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s revelations about the company’s knowledge of product risks for children. Recent legal actions, including a New Mexico court’s ruling for Meta to address mental health concerns and ongoing lawsuits in other states, underscore the growing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by Meta over its platform practices.
