Meta Platforms is set to face one of its most significant legal challenges yet as a trial involving allegations that its social media platforms have harmed young users begins on Tuesday.
The case was brought in 2023 by 30 US states, including California and New York. The states accuse Meta of violating federal and state laws governing the privacy and protection of children while designing Facebook and Instagram in ways they say encourage young users to remain on the platforms.
The states are seeking potentially more than $1 trillion in damages and are also demanding major changes to how Instagram and Facebook operate.
Among the proposed measures are the removal of public “like” counts for young users, restrictions on infinite scrolling, stronger parental verification for teenagers and changes to the recommendation systems that determine what content users see.
The states are also seeking restrictions on appearance altering image filters, automatic video playback, multiple accounts and disappearing content such as Instagram Stories.
States Target Core Features
Prosecutors argue that many of the features they are challenging were deliberately designed to maximise user engagement and keep people, including children and teenagers, returning to the platforms.
They allege that Meta used notifications, recommendation systems and other engagement tools to make it difficult for young users to disengage from its services.
The states contend that Meta prioritised expanding its user base and business interests despite knowing that some of its platform features could negatively affect children.
Meta has rejected the allegations and said evidence presented during the trial will demonstrate its efforts to protect and support young users.
The case will be heard by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California, a federal judge known for her direct questioning and extensive experience overseeing major technology related litigation.
New Mexico Ruling Raises Stakes
The trial comes after a separate ruling in New Mexico that resulted in a major legal setback for Meta.
A state judge ordered the company to pay $942 million and required changes to the operation of Facebook and Instagram following allegations concerning the impact of the platforms on young people.
Among the measures ordered were removing like counts for users under 18, preventing teenagers from exchanging sexually explicit images and restricting push notifications during certain hours.
The judge also characterised Meta as a “public nuisance”, comparing the alleged effects of its platforms on young people to the broader harm caused by environmental pollution.
Meta has said it intends to appeal that decision.
The New Mexico order applies only within that state. However, a victory by the 30 states in the federal case could require Meta to implement similar changes nationwide.
The states involved represent nearly two thirds of the US population, potentially giving the case far reaching consequences for the company’s products and business model.
Focus on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
The legal challenge comes amid growing scrutiny of the relationship between social media use and young people’s mental health.
One area receiving particular attention is the use of engagement indicators such as “likes”. Critics argue that these metrics can encourage young users to compare themselves with others and seek online validation.
Lawyers representing the states have pointed to internal Meta research examining the effects of social comparison on Instagram. The research reportedly linked Instagram driven comparisons with issues including loneliness, negative mood and concerns about body image.
The states also cite testimony from young people who said their use of social media contributed to struggles with self esteem and mental wellbeing.
Meta has reportedly produced more than two million documents as part of the litigation, giving prosecutors access to internal research and communications concerning the design and effects of its platforms.
The outcome of the trial could determine whether Meta must make substantial changes to some of the features that have defined Facebook and Instagram for years.
It could also set a significant precedent for how social media companies are regulated in the United States, particularly in relation to children and teenagers.
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