Meta faces 29 states in landmark trial over youth social media addiction

A coalition of state attorneys general from 29 states will clash with Meta Platforms in a landmark federal court trial in Oakland, California, starting on Wednesday. The case centers on allegations that Meta intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children, a practice that could lead to significant financial damages for the company.

The seven-week trial will address claims that Meta misled consumers about the safety of its platforms and illegally collected and used children's data. Jury selection will begin on Wednesday, with opening statements set to commence on August 18. The trial will also test the company's founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri.

The potential damages are staggering, with Meta estimating they could reach up to $1.4 trillion, nearly equal to the company's market cap of $1.5 trillion. However, the attorneys general have not disclosed their desired compensation. The trial marks a critical juncture in youth social media litigation and comes amid a global reckoning over the impact of social media use on young users.

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, was sparked by a multi-state investigation into the effects of Instagram and Facebook on young users, following disclosures by Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen. The states are requesting that the court issue an order compelling Meta to implement age restrictions, eliminate infinite scroll, and modify other features on its platforms.