Meta trial opens in Oakland over child safety claims

A jury trial has begun in Oakland, California, in a lawsuit brought by 29 U.S. states against Meta. State attorneys argue the case targets how Facebook and Instagram were built and marketed, especially for younger users, and what the company knew about potential harms.

The states allege Meta intentionally designed key features to keep users engaged in ways they describe as addictive. They also claim the company knowingly allowed underage users onto its platforms and put profit considerations ahead of minors’ mental health, according to the plaintiffs’ arguments presented at trial.

Claims focus on product design and minors’ wellbeing Claims focus on product design and minors’ wellbeing State attorneys say internal company documents show Meta State attorneys say internal company documents show Meta was aware of negative effects on teen well-being. They argue those internal materials conflict with the company’s public statements about the safety of its platforms. Beyond financial compensation, the states are seeking structural changes to platform features. The requested changes include removing infinite scrolling and eliminating public “like” counts, according to the litigation’s stated aims. Meta disputes addiction framing and cites limits on age checks Meta is contesting the central characterization of the claims. Its defense argues that “social media addiction” is not a clinically recognized condition, challenging the legal framing that engagement-driven design should be treated as an addictive product by the court or the jury. The company also says it faces legal constraints when trying to confirm users’ ages. Meta argues existing privacy laws restrict how effectively it can verify age, positioning this as a practical limit on enforcement against underage access.

Internal research and broader stakes for platform governance

Meta further contends that its internal research indicates most teen users report neutral or positive experiences on its platforms. That point is being used to counter allegations that the platforms are broadly harmful to minors. Meta State The case is described by the parties as a major legal and regulatory test for Meta’s business model. The litigation places a spotlight on engagement features—such as infinite scroll and visible “like” counts—and how those elements may be assessed when minors are part of the user base.

The outcome could set precedents affecting platform governance, data collection practices, and the legal liability of social media companies for user engagement design, according to the issues raised in court. However, how far any precedent extends will depend on the jury’s findings and how the court addresses the requested remedies.