Meta is facing a major legal challenge in the United States that could force significant changes to the way Facebook and Instagram operate, particularly for younger users.
The technology giant is set to face a landmark youth safety trial in federal court in Oakland, California, following allegations that its platforms were deliberately designed to keep children and teenagers engaged through features that could encourage excessive and compulsive use.
The case was brought by a coalition of 29 US states, including California and New York. The first phase of the trial begins Tuesday, with California, Kentucky, Colorado and New Jersey acting as the plaintiffs. The remaining states are expected to pursue their own trials at a later stage.
At the centre of the case is an argument that Meta knowingly used highly engaging product features to keep young users spending more time on its platforms.
States accuse Meta of designing for addiction
The lawsuit alleges that Meta intentionally developed features such as autoplay videos and endlessly scrolling feeds to encourage users, particularly teenagers, to remain on Facebook and Instagram for longer periods.
The states argue that these design choices were not simply aimed at improving the user experience but were created to maximise engagement and, ultimately, advertising revenue.
The lawsuit accuses Meta of using technology to attract and retain young users while prioritising financial returns.
Authorities have also raised concerns over Meta’s handling of children’s personal information, alleging that the company collected and used data in ways that violated privacy and consumer protection laws.
The financial stakes are enormous.
The states are seeking potentially more than $1 trillion in damages over the alleged violations. Meta has estimated that the damages could reach around $1.4 trillion, a figure approaching the company’s reported market valuation of approximately $1.5 trillion.
What could change on Facebook and Instagram?
If Meta loses the case, the consequences could extend far beyond a financial penalty.
The lawsuit seeks changes to several core features of Facebook and Instagram, potentially altering how millions of young Americans use the platforms.
Among the proposed changes are:
- Removing infinite scrolling and autoplay video features
- Hiding or eliminating like counts for younger users
- Changing recommendation systems accused of manipulating users’ engagement
- Removing certain filters that digitally alter users’ physical appearance
- Restricting teenagers from creating multiple accounts
- Introducing stronger parental verification measures
- Restricting disappearing content such as Instagram Stories
- Limiting push notifications designed to encourage users to return to the apps
- Introducing design changes aimed at reducing compulsive social media use
Such measures could represent one of the most significant regulatory interventions into the design of major social media platforms in the United States.
Meta rejects the allegations
Meta has strongly denied the accusations and maintains that it has taken steps to make its platforms safer for young people.
The company said it disagrees with the allegations and is confident that the evidence will demonstrate its commitment to supporting younger users.
The trial therefore sets up a major clash between state authorities seeking stronger protections for children online and one of the world’s largest technology companies defending the design and operation of its platforms.
Another major legal setback
The case comes at a difficult time for Meta as the company faces growing scrutiny over the impact of social media on young people.
Earlier in August, a judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567 million in connection with allegations involving youth mental health harms and required the company to introduce additional safety measures.
The latest trial could prove even more consequential.
A defeat in the federal case could force Meta to make fundamental changes to Facebook and Instagram across the United States, potentially affecting everything from recommendation algorithms and notifications to how young users interact with posts and accounts.
For Meta, the trial is therefore about far more than damages. It could ultimately determine how the company designs and operates two of the world’s biggest social media platforms for the next generation of users.
