Meta Platforms faces a major legal battle in California over allegations that Facebook and Instagram encourage addictive use among children and teenagers.

The Meta trial began Wednesday in Oakland. A coalition of state attorneys general will argue that Meta designed its platforms to keep young users engaged for longer periods. They also accuse the company of misleading consumers about safety.

The seven-week trial could become a landmark case for social media regulation. It could also expose Meta to enormous financial penalties.

Jury selection began on Wednesday. Opening arguments will follow on August 18. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri may testify during the proceedings.

States target Meta’s platform design

Colorado, Kentucky, California and New Jersey lead the case. The states claim Meta deliberately created features that encourage prolonged use among young people.

They also accuse Meta of failing to protect children from potential harm on its platforms.

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Twenty-nine states have joined separate claims over children’s data. They allege that Meta illegally collected and used information belonging to minors.

The states want Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to order major changes. Their demands include stronger age restrictions and an end to infinite scrolling.

They also want Meta to remove certain notifications and change its recommendation systems. The states argue that the company should prioritise children’s well-being instead of user engagement.

Meta rejects the allegations

Meta strongly denies the accusations. The company says it has taken steps to support young users and improve online safety.

A Meta spokesperson said the company has worked with parents, experts and law enforcement. The company also says it has conducted extensive research into issues affecting young people.

Meta has warned that the case could create huge financial risks. The company estimates potential damages could reach $1.4 trillion.

The states have not publicly revealed how much money they will seek.

Whistleblower disclosures fuel scrutiny

The lawsuit dates back to 2023. It followed a multistate investigation into Facebook and Instagram and their impact on young users.

Former Meta employee Frances Haugen helped intensify the debate in 2021. She told a US Senate committee that Meta knew its products could harm children and teenagers.

Her testimony prompted lawmakers and regulators to examine the company’s approach to child safety more closely.

Public concern has also grown. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 85% of Americans believe social media can become addictive for children.

The poll also found that 61% of respondents want stronger government oversight of social media companies.

Meta faces pressure from other lawsuits

The California case arrives after several legal setbacks for Meta.

Two earlier jury trials produced verdicts against the company. Last week, a New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million.

The judge also ordered changes to the company’s platforms after finding Meta responsible for contributing to a children’s mental health crisis in the state.

Meta disputes those findings. The company has also argued that social media addiction does not qualify as a recognised psychiatric condition.

Legal experts say the California case could create serious consequences for Meta. A large financial award could affect the company’s business.

Court-ordered changes could also force Meta to redesign important features across Facebook and Instagram.

Unusual advisory jury will assist judge

Judge Rogers will oversee the California trial and plans to issue her ruling after proceedings conclude in October.

She has taken an unusual approach by creating an advisory jury. The panel will answer specific questions selected by the judge.

However, Rogers does not have to follow the advisory jury’s findings.

The states are seeking changes that could affect Meta nationwide. They want the company to remove algorithms and AI models developed using children’s data.

They also want stricter limits on notifications and time spent on the platforms.

The lawsuit forms part of a much wider legal fight against major technology companies. More than 3,000 cases involving Meta, Snap, Alphabet’s YouTube and TikTok parent ByteDance now sit before Judge Rogers.

Another group of more than 3,300 cases remains pending in a Los Angeles state court.

The California trial could therefore have consequences far beyond Meta. A ruling against the company could push other social media firms to change how they design platforms for children.