Meta Platforms has denied allegations from a group of 29 U.S. states accusing the company of purposely creating addictive features on Facebook and Instagram to profit from young users. The trial, which could have significant implications for popular social media apps, commenced on Tuesday.
The states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, are seeking substantial financial penalties and changes in Meta’s business practices. They claim that Meta designed its platforms to engage young users, leading to mental health issues and deceptive safety information. Additionally, Meta is accused of violating federal laws by unlawfully collecting and utilizing children’s personal data.
The trial, taking place in a federal court in Oakland, California, is considered a major legal test of social media’s impact on youth. Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, asserted that Meta’s strategy was to attract and retain users, harvest their data, and conceal the truth from the public, particularly targeting children for their services’ success and safety assurances.
Paul Schmidt, Meta’s attorney, acknowledged the challenges faced by some social media users but argued that there was no definitive link between adolescents’ social media usage and their well-being. He emphasized Meta’s commitment to enhancing its services rather than endangering users.
The trial outcome will be determined by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who may impose civil penalties and mandate alterations to Facebook and Instagram if Meta is found liable. The potential penalties could amount to billions of dollars, significantly impacting Meta’s market value. The states are also pushing for changes within the platforms, such as removing certain features like likes and infinite scrolling, implementing time restrictions for younger users, and enforcing age restrictions.
The first witness to testify in the trial was former Meta safety engineer Arturo Bejar, who accused Meta of neglecting child safety measures and adopting a reckless approach to online monitoring for children under 13. Bejar highlighted Meta’s prioritization of product deployment over safety considerations, including the introduction of features like Reels without adequate safety measures.
Critics of Meta gathered outside the court as the trial began, with individuals sharing personal stories of harm caused by social media platforms. Mary Rodee, whose son died by suicide after facing online victimization, criticized Meta for prioritizing profits over user safety.
The trial, expected to last six weeks, will feature testimonies from Meta’s top executives, including Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri. Meta’s shares experienced a decline during the trial proceedings. The lawsuit, initiated in 2023 following whistleblower revelations, underscores the ongoing legal challenges faced by social media giants over their impact on users’ well-being.