California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey sued Meta, accusing it of knowingly designing addictive features that harm children
Facebook and Instagram parent Meta is heading to a landmark trial in California tomorrow, stemming from a 2023 lawsuit filed by four states alleging the company fuels the youth mental health crisis.
California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey allege that Meta knowingly designed addictive features that can harm children and collected data from users under 13 without parental consent.
The states are seeking changes to how Meta operates its social media platforms, along with financial damages that could reach $1.4 trillion, roughly equal to the company’s entire market value.
Legal experts say the trillion-dollar penalty is unlikely; any massive fine would still put pressure on Meta. It recently reported a profit decline driven by $2.4 billion in legal expenses.
Meanwhile, 25 other states are awaiting similar trials against Meta. State attorneys general are seeking broader changes to the company’s platforms as they challenge its practices involving young users.