Meta, US states have discussed settling teen social media harm case, Bloomberg News reports

Meta Platforms is reportedly in talks with US state attorneys general to potentially settle a lawsuit accusing the company of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for young users, according to Bloomberg News. This development follows a federal court trial in California, where 29 states alleged that Meta violated state laws and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting personal data from minors without parental consent and using it for AI training.

Despite the claims, Meta has denied the allegations, asserting it has taken measures to safeguard children on its platforms. The trial, which began with jury selection on August 12, marked one of the most high-profile tests of accusations that social media companies have harmed young users. Just days before the trial commenced, a federal appeals court ruled against halting the proceedings.

State attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, as well as Nevada, released statements confirming their plans for press conferences regarding a potential settlement.