Meta is facing a high-stakes trial in which it is accused of harming children through the design of addictive features on Instagram and Facebook. The case is presented as seeking very large damages, with reporting putting the figure at up to $1.4 trillion. The proceedings open as Meta denies wrongdoing and prepares to defend how its platforms are built and used.
The lawsuit is brought by multiple U.S. states, with coverage noting that jury selection begins this week. NDTV reports that the plaintiffs’ claims focus on areas such as children’s data and platform design and safety, and that senior company figures are expected to participate. France 24 highlights long-running concerns from parents about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, framing the trial as a test of accountability for technology companies’ youth-facing products.
While outlets differ in how they describe the stakes—ranging from broad characterizations of the moment to the specific damage figure reported—they agree on the core issue: whether Meta knowingly designed or promoted engagement features that kept minors hooked.
