Meta faces pivotal trial over allegations it deliberately addicted children to social media
US states are seeking billions in damages from Meta in a landmark trial accusing the company of knowingly designing addictive features targeting children.
A pivotal trial has begun in California federal court where US states are seeking billions of dollars in damages from Meta Platforms over social media harms to children. The company has been accused of knowingly and deliberately designing features intended to addict young users to its platforms. Meta has defended its child safety efforts, but critics argue its protections fall short and are ineffective. The case is being watched as potentially transformative for how social media operates.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Meta faces pivotal trial over social media addiction, with US states seeking billions
Opening statements are set to kick off Tuesday in a pivotal trial for Meta Platforms in a California federal court, where states are seeking billions of dollars in damages for social media harms to children.
1News
Meta Platforms faces pivotal trial over child safety
The social media giant has been accused of knowingly and deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
Otago Daily Times
Meta faces claims it sought to hook children on social media as landmark trial begins
Stuff
Meta defends its child safety efforts but critics say the social media giant falls short
Critics say the company's safety record falls short and that many of its protections simply don’t work.
RNZ
Parents dubious of Meta's claims over social media addiction – researcher
The public and policy makers don't believe Meta's claim it's trying to keep children safe on social media, an academic says.
Newstalk ZB
Laura Marquez-Garrett: Counsel of Record for successful Meta lawsuit on what current Meta trial could mean for social media
There's hopes an unprecedented lawsuit against Meta will change social media as we know it.