Meta claims allegations in latest social media addiction trial are 'unsubstantiated'
Summary
Meta is facing a federal trial where 29 state attorneys general accuse the company of harming young users by making its social media apps addictive and collecting their data without parental permission. Meta denies these claims and says the states have no proof and are asking for unfairly high damages. The trial begins in Oakland, California, with key executives possibly testifying.Key Facts
- The trial involves Meta, the company behind Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
- 29 state attorneys general filed the lawsuit in October 2023, with four states leading the case.
- The lawsuit accuses Meta of designing apps to keep youth and teens hooked using features like infinite scrolling and push notifications.
- It also alleges Meta illegally collected personal data from children without parents' consent.
- The states want Meta to remove addictive features such as infinite scrolling, video auto-play, and "like" counts for users under 18.
- Meta says the claims are "unsubstantiated" and that the damages sought could reach $1.4 trillion.
- Jury selection started in August 2026, and the trial is expected to last seven weeks.
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri might be called to testify.
- This case follows a recent New Mexico court ruling that ordered Meta to pay $567 million for harming youth mental health, which Meta plans to appeal.
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