Meta Faces Landmark US Trial Over Alleged Exploitation of Young Users

Meta Platforms deliberately designed its Facebook and Instagram services to captivate young audiences, potentially contributing to mental health challenges, according to legal arguments presented at the opening of a significant trial in Oakland, California.

A bipartisan coalition of 29 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit against Meta, seeking substantial financial damages and structural reforms to the company’s operations.

The case is spearheaded by four lead states—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—which allege that Meta engineered its platforms to become habit-forming for youth, while downplaying associated risks such as increased anxiety, depression, and other psychological harms.

All participating states argue that Meta violated federal regulations regarding the collection and use of personal data from minors, presenting these claims to a jury composed of eight members.

Megan O’Neill, California’s deputy attorney general, told the jury that Meta’s strategy centered on engaging users for prolonged periods, extracting their data, and concealing potential dangers from the public.“Their approach proved particularly effective among children,” O’Neill stated. “Meta relied heavily on youth engagement and worked to assure guardians and caregivers that these platforms were safe for young users.”

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