WASHINGTON: Meta is facing another major legal challenge over how its social media platforms allegedly target and affect children and teenagers, with a jury trial involving 30 US states set to begin Tuesday.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by states including California and New York, which accuse Meta of violating federal and state privacy laws designed to protect children. The states argue that features on Instagram and Facebook are deliberately designed to keep young users engaged for longer periods.
The legal action could become one of the biggest threats to Meta’s current business practices if the company ultimately loses. The states are seeking potentially more than $1 trillion in damages and penalties, while also demanding major changes to the way Instagram and Facebook operate.
Among the proposed changes is a requirement for Meta to introduce parental verification for teenage users. The states also want the company to modify recommendation systems they describe as algorithms designed to manipulate users’ dopamine responses and encourage prolonged engagement.
The states are additionally seeking restrictions on several popular features, including image filters that alter users’ appearances, automatic video playback and the creation of multiple accounts. They also want Meta to eliminate disappearing content such as Instagram Stories for young users.
Another major demand involves like counts, with the states arguing that removing visible engagement metrics for young people could reduce pressure on teenagers and discourage unhealthy patterns of social media use.
The states claim that many of these features are specifically designed to keep users, including children and teenagers, on Meta’s platforms as frequently and for as long as possible. They allege that frequent notifications and other engagement tools can make it difficult for young users to reduce their time on the apps.
According to the states, Meta knowingly pursued young users in order to increase engagement, expand its user base and strengthen its business. Meta, whose market value is estimated at around $1.5 trillion, has repeatedly rejected the allegations.
A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the claims and is confident that evidence presented during the proceedings will demonstrate its long-standing commitment to supporting young people.
The case will be heard by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, a senior federal judge in California who has gained a reputation for direct and detailed questioning during high-profile technology cases.
Meta Faces Growing Legal Pressure
The latest trial comes after Meta suffered other legal setbacks involving allegations concerning the safety and wellbeing of young users.
In a recent case in New Mexico, a judge ordered Meta to pay a combined $942 million and imposed several restrictions on its platforms. The ruling included requirements involving like counts for users under 18, restrictions on the exchange of nude images between teenagers and limits on push notifications during certain hours.
The New Mexico ruling adds to growing legal pressure on Meta as authorities across the United States examine how major social media platforms affect children.
Potential Impact on Instagram and Facebook
A defeat in the multistate case could have significant consequences for Meta and potentially force the company to make fundamental changes to Instagram and Facebook.
The states are seeking changes that would affect some of the platforms’ most familiar features, including recommendation algorithms, notifications, autoplay videos, disappearing posts and engagement metrics.
Such changes could significantly alter how young people interact with Meta’s services and could also influence how other social media companies design products for children and teenagers.
The outcome could therefore extend beyond Meta itself, potentially setting a broader precedent for the technology industry and the regulation of social media platforms and children’s online safety.
With billions of people using Meta’s platforms worldwide, the case is being closely watched as governments and regulators continue to debate how technology companies should protect young users while maintaining access to social media.
