Meta trial begins with states accusing social media giant of exploiting, intentionally addicting children
Meta Platforms rejected accusations by U.S. states that it intentionally sought to addict children to its Facebook and Instagram platforms in pursuit of profit as a trial that could reshape some of the most popular apps on the planet got underway Tuesday.
A trial against Meta Platforms has begun in the US, with 29 states accusing the company of intentionally designing its Facebook and Instagram platforms to addict children and teenagers. The states claim that Meta knowingly contributed to negative health outcomes for minors and hid internal research showing the harm caused by its products.
According to the states, Meta prioritized profit over the wellbeing of young users. The company's lawyers have rejected these claims, arguing that its apps were not designed to addict young users. The outcome of the trial could result in significant penalties for Meta, potentially in the billions of dollars, and lead to changes to the platforms.
The trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks, will hear from Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives. The states are seeking damages and changes to the way Facebook and Instagram operate. Kentucky's Attorney General, Russell Coleman, has stated that the goal is to hold Meta accountable, citing previous successful cases against tobacco companies and those responsible for the opioid crisis.
Brief written by urgent.news from CBC Business, Semafor, Guardian Business, Handelsblatt, Silicon Republic — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
