{
  "id": 1645399,
  "title": "A look at major lawsuits against Meta, other social media companies over harms to kids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/a-look-at-major-lawsuits-against-meta-other-social-media-companies",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T05:10:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Economic Times Tech",
    "slug": "economic-times-tech",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/a-look-at-major-lawsuits-against-meta-other-social-media-companies-over-harms-to-kids/articleshow/133312159.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Meta is embroiled in a high-stakes court battle over claims that its platforms have contributed to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing addictive features. The trial, set to begin in California, is one of many lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube alleging their platforms negatively impacted children's mental well-being or caused harm. Meta, already facing two significant losses this year, reported a rare profit decline due to legal expenses totaling $2.4 billion. The company claims it has taken steps to address the concerns, including listening to parents, working with experts, and conducting research on the issues. The trial evidence will reportedly demonstrate Meta's commitment to supporting young people. The lawsuit by California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey seeks substantial financial damages and changes to how the company operates. If Meta loses, the court could impose significant penalties. New Mexico's case against Meta resulted in a $375 million penalty and new safety measures, such as limiting usage time for users under 18 and restricting AI chatbots. The trial outcome could set a precedent for similar cases across the country.",
  "summary": "In a federal trial beginning Tuesday in Oakland, California, the Instagram and Facebook parent company is fighting claims that it has contributed to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that get children addicted.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "A look at major lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies over harms to kids",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/a-look-at-major-lawsuits-against-meta-and-other-social-media",
        "published": "2026-08-18T03:53:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Opening arguments set to begin in Meta’s federal trial over child harms",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/opening-arguments-set-to-begin-in-metas-federal-trial-over-child-harms",
        "published": "2026-08-18T04:02:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/major-meta-trial-begins-as-lawyers-spar-over-witnesses-damages",
        "published": "2026-08-18T05:32:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Economic Times Tech",
        "title": "Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/major-meta-trial-begins-as-lawyers-spar-over-witnesses-damages-1645397",
        "published": "2026-08-18T05:38:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/major-meta-trial-begins-as-lawyers-spar-over-witnesses-damages-1644112",
        "published": "2026-08-18T05:39:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}