Meta faces federal trial over alleged harm to children on social media

Yesterday 17:15

By: Azzat Manal

Meta faces federal trial over alleged harm to children on social media

Meta is facing a major federal trial in the United States over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that encouraged excessive use among children and teenagers while the company failed to adequately address potential risks to young users.

The case opened in Oakland, California, with four states—California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey—bringing the action on behalf of 29 state attorneys general. Prosecutors argue that Meta deliberately used features capable of exploiting psychological vulnerabilities to keep young people engaged with its platforms.

A central part of the case involves internal company documents presented by prosecutors. These materials are being used to argue that Meta was aware of concerns surrounding the psychological impact of certain platform features and the difficulty some young users experienced in controlling their time online.

The states are also challenging Meta’s handling of children under the age of 13. Prosecutors allege that the company collected personal information from younger users without obtaining the required parental consent, adding a privacy dimension to the broader allegations concerning child safety.

Another area under scrutiny is the design of features intended to encourage longer engagement. Prosecutors have pointed to tools designed to remind users to take breaks, arguing that such measures were not sufficiently effective among teenagers.

Beauty filters are also part of the dispute. According to the prosecution, some filters that alter facial features or reproduce cosmetic-surgery effects could contribute to negative perceptions of appearance among young users. Prosecutors contend that Meta was aware of concerns surrounding these effects before certain features were restored.

Meta strongly rejects the allegations and maintains that it has taken steps to address concerns surrounding young people's use of its services. The company says it has introduced tools and safety measures designed to help users manage their time online and protect younger audiences.

The financial stakes are substantial. The states are seeking penalties that could approach $200 billion, along with changes to the way Facebook and Instagram operate. Such measures could have significant consequences for Meta’s approach to product design, advertising and the protection of minors.

The proceedings are expected to continue through September, with the jury scheduled to deliver an advisory verdict toward the end of the month or in early October. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg could potentially appear as a witness, although his participation has not been definitively confirmed.

The trial is being closely watched because it could influence the broader debate over the responsibility of major social media companies toward young users. Governments and regulators in several countries have increasingly focused on issues such as children's privacy, excessive screen time, addictive platform design and the psychological effects of social media.

Beyond the financial consequences, the case could therefore contribute to a wider reassessment of how technology companies design digital products for minors and how much responsibility platforms should bear for the effects of prolonged engagement.