Meta Platforms is set to face a coalition of state attorneys general in a California federal court trial starting Wednesday, over allegations that it designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to children. The trial, which could result in massive damages and force sweeping changes to its platforms, begins with jury selection on Wednesday and opening statements scheduled for August 18. The case, filed in 2023, stems from a multistate investigation into the platforms’ impact on young users, following disclosures by Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen. The states of Colorado, Kentucky, California, and New Jersey allege that Meta engineered its platforms to keep young users hooked and misled consumers about their safety. Additionally, 29 states claim the company illegally collected and used children’s data in violation of federal law. Meta has stated that damages could reach as high as $1.4 trillion, close to its market cap of $1.5 trillion, though the attorneys general have not publicly disclosed the amount they may seek. The attorneys general are also requesting the judge to order Meta to implement age restrictions, eliminate infinite scroll, and make other changes to its platforms. A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the allegations and is confident evidence will show its commitment to supporting young people. The trial is considered the biggest test yet of youth social media litigation, amid a broader global reckoning over social media’s effects on young users. Meta has faced growing pressure, with recent courtroom losses, including a $567 million judgment in New Mexico and a verdict in another case. The company has denied the allegations, arguing that “social media addiction” is not a recognized psychiatric condition. The trial, overseen by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, is expected to last seven weeks, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri expected to testify. The states are asking for nationwide changes, including age restrictions, deletion of algorithms and AI models made with children’s data, and modifications to algorithms to prioritize well-being over engagement. This lawsuit is part of more than 3,000 cases centralized before Rogers, with another 3,300 pending in Los Angeles state court.

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