A landmark lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. opened on Tuesday in a federal court in Oakland, California, marking the largest legal challenge to date over the impact of social media on young users.
The coalition of 29 U.S. states accuses Meta of deliberately engineering its Facebook and Instagram platforms to maximize engagement among children and adolescents, contributing to anxiety, depression and suicides. The states are seeking civil penalties that could reach into the tens of billions of dollars, along with court-ordered modifications to the apps, including the removal of the Like feature and mandatory time limits for underage users.
Meta has denied the allegations, asserting there is no definitive scientific evidence linking social media use to diminished well-being among youth. In opening statements, the company’s attorney argued that its business model prioritizes user safety and transparency. Megan O’Neill, California’s deputy attorney general, countered that Meta’s model is designed to “hook users, keep them on the platform as long as possible, harvest their data and conceal the truth from the public.”
The trial began with testimony from a former Meta engineer, who described an internal culture that prioritized rapid deployment and disruption over safety considerations. The witness cited the rollout of Reels, Meta’s short-form video feature, as an example where risk assessments were deprioritized. The case could set precedents for how social media platforms are regulated, particularly regarding youth protections.
A ruling is not expected for months. If Meta is found liable, the court could impose financial penalties and mandate structural changes to its platforms, reshaping how the company operates its core services.
