A landmark federal trial against Meta Platforms began on August 18 in Oakland, California, as attorneys general from 29 states presented their opening arguments in a case alleging the company knowingly designed Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to children and violated child privacy laws.
Key developments:
- U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers adopted a hybrid trial structure, allowing Colorado, California, Kentucky, and New Jersey to jointly present their state law claims while also addressing federal privacy claims brought by all 29 states. An advisory jury will assist in the proceedings, though the judge will issue the final ruling.
- The states seek more than $200 billion in damages and court-ordered changes to Meta’s platforms, including modifications to algorithms, notifications, and data collection practices affecting young users.
The core allegations
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accuses Meta of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and state consumer protection laws by collecting and using children’s personal data without parental consent. The states further allege that Meta’s algorithms and engagement tools were deliberately designed to maximize time spent on the platforms, contributing to youth mental health harms.
Meta’s response
Meta has denied the allegations, stating in court filings that the claims are unsubstantiated and that the company has made significant efforts to protect teen users. The company’s legal team is expected to argue that the states have failed to present evidence of actual harm to their residents. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are scheduled to testify during the multi-week trial.
Trial structure and legal strategy
The states initially pushed for a single consolidated trial to present a unified narrative about Meta’s company-wide decisions affecting young users nationwide. Meta countered that a combined proceeding would obscure legal distinctions between state and federal claims, advocating for separate trials grouped by similar laws.
Judge Rogers’ hybrid approach allows the four lead states to present their claims together while incorporating federal claims from all 29 states. This structure aims to balance efficiency with legal precision, though it may complicate jurors’ evaluation of distinct legal violations.
Potential consequences
The trial’s outcome could set a precedent for how remaining states’ claims are resolved and force Meta to implement nationwide changes to its platforms. Legal experts note that a multistate coalition strengthens the states’ position by pooling resources and expertise, though Meta’s substantial financial and legal resources present a formidable challenge.
Meta has warned that potential penalties could reach $1.4 trillion, though the states have not specified their exact monetary demands. The trial is widely regarded as the biggest test yet of youth social media litigation, amid growing global scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users.
Background and broader context
The lawsuit follows a 2023 filing by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who accused Meta of "harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits." The bipartisan coalition includes attorneys general from both major political parties, signaling broad consensus on the need for regulatory action.
Earlier this year, Meta faced a $1 billion loss in a separate lawsuit in New Mexico, where the company was found to have knowingly harmed children’s mental health. This case, along with the current federal trial, reflects a broader reckoning over social media’s role in youth mental health crises.
What’s next
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with testimony from Meta executives and expert witnesses. Judge Rogers will consider the advisory jury’s findings before issuing her final ruling, which could reshape how Facebook and Instagram operate for young users.