Meta claims allegations in latest social media addiction trial are 'unsubstantiated'
Jury selection began Wednesday in a new trial over claims that Meta designed its apps to be addictive for young users.
Meta is disputing claims by state attorneys general in its latest social media addiction trial, asserting that the allegations of misleading users about app safety and that their features harmed users are unsubstantiated. The company's statement claims the states' demands for compensation are vastly disproportionate and that no evidence exists of anyone in their states being misled.
Meta argues the AGs are focusing on industry-wide challenges, like age verification, rather than addressing specific issues. The lawsuit, filed in October 2023 by a coalition of 29 state attorneys general, accuses Meta of designing apps to addict users, particularly young people, through features such as infinite scrolling and push notifications.
The states also allege Meta violated privacy laws by collecting data from minors without parental consent, seeking changes to the apps for users under 18. Jury selection began on Wednesday, with opening arguments set for August 18, expected to last seven weeks. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who initiated the 2023 lawsuit, emphasized the need to protect children from harm, accusing Meta of knowingly designing a dangerous product and lying about its risks.
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