Meta hooked children and misled public: prosecutors
A coalition of states is asking Meta be hit with $200 billion in penalties for making products addictive to children, in what many have called social media's "big tobacco moment."
Oakland, California – Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, allegedly intentionally manipulated and preyed upon children, a federal court was told on Tuesday during a trial brought by a coalition of U.S. states. The charges allege that Meta designed its products to be highly addictive for young users, a claim drawing comparisons to the tobacco industry's past litigation.
If successful, the states seek a staggering $200 billion penalty against Meta, a move seen as a response to what many view as "social media's big tobacco moment." This case comes after years of failure by Congress to act, according to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who emphasized that this situation mirrors the landmark tobacco cases from decades ago, involving public health risks and marketing to minors.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Meta hooked children and misled public: prosecutors thehindu.com
