Meta Accused of Targeting Children to Drive Social Media Use

A lawyer for California has accused Meta of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to keep children hooked on its platforms, arguing that the company prioritised profits over the safety of young users.

The allegations were made on Tuesday as a major trial began in federal court in Oakland, California, involving 29 US states. The states are seeking potentially enormous financial penalties and changes to the way Meta operates its social media services.

California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are leading the case, alleging that Meta developed Facebook and Instagram in ways that encouraged young people to spend excessive amounts of time on the platforms. They claim the services contributed to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicide, while also accusing Meta of misleading the public about the safety of its products.

The wider case alleges that Meta violated federal law by improperly collecting and using children's personal information while they were using its platforms.

Megan O'Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, told an eight-member jury that Meta's business model centred on attracting users, keeping them engaged for as long as possible and collecting their data while concealing the risks associated with its platforms.

She argued that the strategy was particularly effective among children, saying Meta needed young users while also seeking to reassure parents and others responsible for their wellbeing that the platforms were safe.

Meta rejected the accusations during its opening statement.

Company lawyer Paul Schmidt told jurors that Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg were focused on improving their services rather than intentionally creating harmful products. He argued that the company had a strong incentive to ensure users enjoyed their experience on Facebook and Instagram.

The jury is expected to deliver an advisory verdict, but US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will make the final determination on whether Meta is legally liable.

If Meta is found responsible, the judge could impose civil penalties and order the company to make changes to Facebook and Instagram.

Meta has maintained that it did not make deceptive claims about the safety of its platforms and argues that the states have failed to demonstrate that their residents suffered legally actionable harm.

Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are expected to testify during the trial, which is scheduled to continue for approximately six weeks.

The case is being closely watched as one of the most significant legal challenges yet concerning the impact of social media on children and teenagers. It comes amid growing international scrutiny of the potential psychological and social consequences of intensive social media use among young people.

Meta has warned that the states could seek penalties of as much as $1.4 trillion - an amount approaching the market value of the California-based technology company.