Meta is defending itself in an August trial tied to allegations about youth safety in the United States, after US state attorneys seek $1.4 trillion in penalties, according to reports. Both outlets say the case centers on claims that Meta’s platforms did not adequately protect young users and that the company’s practices caused harm to minors. Meta disputes the states’ allegations and characterizes the request for penalties as excessive.
The trial is scheduled for August, and it comes after years of legal and regulatory scrutiny over how social media platforms use algorithms and design features that may affect minors. The states argue that Meta should be held liable for wrongdoing and for purported impacts on children and teens. Meta, for its part, argues that it has taken steps to address youth safety and that the states’ calculations and legal theories are not supported.
As proceedings approach, the dispute focuses on both alleged conduct and the size of potential financial penalties, with the states seeking the large figure reported by multiple sources.
