Meta faces landmark trial as 29 US states target child safety

A landmark federal jury trial has begun in Oakland, California, in a massive lawsuit filed by a bipartisan coalition of US states against Meta.

A landmark federal jury trial has begun in Oakland, California, in a massive lawsuit filed by a bipartisan coalition of US states against Meta. The case could reshape some of the world’s most widely used apps.

Attorneys general from 29 states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, argue that Meta deliberately engineered Facebook and Instagram to encourage compulsive use among children. They point to features like infinite scrolling, recommendation algorithms and notification alerts as evidence of intentional design.

The states began presenting their case on Tuesday before an eight-person jury, which is serving in an advisory role for US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. She will ultimately decide the outcome of the case.

Beyond the addiction claims, the lawsuit also accuses Meta of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. States allege the company collected data from children under 13 without obtaining verifiable parental consent.

The coalition is seeking sweeping changes to Meta’s platforms, including restrictions on recommendation systems, limits on image filters, and curbs on features designed to boost engagement. They’re also pursuing substantial financial penalties under consumer protection laws.

Meta has firmly denied the allegations, maintaining that the claims lack evidence. The company says it has invested heavily in safety tools, age-verification systems and parental supervision features over the years.

The trial will test whether Meta knowingly designed its platforms to be addictive for young users while misleading the public about their safety. It will also examine whether the company improperly collected and used children’s data in violation of federal law.

Meta’s legal team is expected to argue the company has made substantial efforts to protect young users online. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are both expected to testify during the multiweek proceedings.

A company spokesperson said the states have failed to show that any residents were actually misled, arguing that the case is being driven by a pursuit of financial payouts rather than solid evidence.

Other major platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, are facing similar mounting legal pressure. This case is among thousands filed nationwide by states, school districts and individuals alleging that social media products have caused harm to young users.