Meta is set to defend itself in a US federal trial that centers on allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to children. Multiple outlets describe the case as a “social media’s big tobacco moment,” drawing a parallel to past tobacco-related legal battles.
The lawsuit is brought by a coalition of US states and initially highlights technology and product design choices that prosecutors say deliberately keep young users engaged. France 24 reports that jury selection begins and that the states seek large remedies, including required changes to Meta’s apps and financial penalties discussed in the hundreds of billions. Other outlets similarly say the coalition is asking for penalties around $200 billion, with estimates of potential exposure also cited at much higher levels.
Meta denies the allegations, and the trial proceeds as courts examine evidence presented by prosecutors. Some reporting also notes developments that affect the company’s strategy shortly before trial, including disputes involving key testimony, while other outlets focus more on the scope of the claims across platforms and the requested penalties.
