Meta faces trial over alleged harm to children on Instagram and Facebook: Here is what can happen
Follow UsMeta is on trial over claims that its platforms harmed children.
States say features like scrolling and notifications kept young users online longer.
The case could bring stricter rules and changes for young users.
Meta will face a test Tuesday as it goes to trial in Oakland, California, over claims that its social media platforms harmed children and encouraged addictive use. Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey will present claims before US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in a case that could have effects on how Instagram and Facebook work for young users. The states say Meta used features such as infinite scroll, autoplay and likes to keep children and teenagers online longer. They also accuse the company of misleading families about safety and breaking child privacy rules. Meta has reportedly denied the claims and said that the states are seeking an unreasonable payout.
SurveyWhat is Meta accused of?
According to a lawsuit filed in the year 2023 by 30 US states, the prosecutors stated Meta intentionally created features that encouraged young people to spend more time on Instagram and Facebook. Moreover, they cited features like endless scrolling, autoplay videos, likes, personalised recommendations, and notifications as examples.
The states also say Meta allowed children under 13 to use its platforms and collected their information without parental consent, potentially violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
Also read: Want to file court case online? Here is how you can do it in minutes
Why this trial matters
The case comes after several difficult legal battles for Meta. In New Mexico, a court recently ordered the company to pay $942 million ($567 million in damages plus $375 million in civil penalties) over alleged harm to young users and imposed safety changes. A separate California case also found Meta and YouTube responsible for negligence in a lawsuit involving a young user’s mental health.
The California trial could therefore become a major test of whether governments can force changes to the design of social media platforms. It is expected to last about six to eight weeks, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri among the executives expected to testify.
Also read: Oppo Find X9 deal: Get over Rs 22,000 discount, here is how
What Meta could face
The states have indicated that damages could reach about $1.4 trillion, which is close to Meta’s market value. Moreover, they are also seeking changes to how their platforms operate for young users.
Proposed changes include stronger age checks, limits on features that encourage long sessions and restrictions on how content is recommended to children.
Meta has reportedly said that the allegations are unsubstantiated. Furthermore, the company argues that the states have not shown that people were misled and says it has introduced protections for teenagers.
