States seek up to $1.4 trillion in damages, plus platform changes
A federal trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, where four states will argue that Meta Platforms knowingly designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and teens, the Associated Press reported. California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey are the lead plaintiffs in the case, one of thousands of lawsuits Meta faces over child safety on its platforms. The AP described it as the biggest such trial yet.
Dozens of states filed the lawsuit three years ago, the AP reported. Beyond the four plaintiffs presenting their case in this trial, 25 additional states are expected to bring their own cases later.
The plaintiffs are seeking extensive financial damages that could, in theory, total as much as $1.4 trillion, according to the AP, along with changes to how Meta operates Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit alleges Meta contributed to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features that get children addicted to its platforms. It also claims Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law.
“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains,” the lawsuit says, according to the AP.
Meta disputes the allegations and says the trial evidence will show its commitment to supporting young people. “We’ve listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most,” Meta said in a statement, according to the AP.
Barbara Ortutay reported for the Associated Press.