Meta Faces Trial Over Allegations of Child Addiction on Social Media Platforms
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Meta Platforms Inc. is on trial as four U.S. states allege that the company intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children, prioritizing profit over safety. The states claim that Meta misled the public about the dangers of its platforms, which they argue are harmful to young users' mental health.
Opening arguments revealed that the states are seeking significant changes to how Meta operates its platforms for young users. The trial marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over child safety and social media, with the potential for major implications for the industry.
Sources
Every quote below is verbatim from the article it is attributed to.
“Meta Platforms Inc. has deceived the public for years by targeting children on Facebook and Instagram with technology designed to turn them into compulsive users and drive up advertising revenue, a lawyer at the California attorney general’s office told a jury.”
Bloomberg — Meta Exploits Kids on Social Media, States Allege at Trial“In opening arguments, US state AGs said Meta intentionally sought to addict children to Facebook and Instagram in pursuit of profit; Meta rejected the claims”
techmeme — In opening arguments, US state AGs said Meta intentionally sought to addict children to Facebook and Instagram in pursuit of profit; Meta rejected the claims (Reuters)“Opening arguments are underway in a trial that pits four states against the company that owns Facebook and Instagram.”
npr — 'Profits won.' The child safety trial against Meta kicks off in federal court“US states are suing the social media giant to force an overhaul of its platforms for young users.”
bbc — US states call for big changes to Instagram and Facebook as Meta child privacy trial begins“Four states are suing the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the platforms were designed to hook kids and that Meta hid the mental health risks.”
npr — Meta heads to court in a landmark trial about kids and social media addiction“California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey have taken the social media giant to trial in the first bellwether federal case over child harm.”
ny times tech — Meta to Stand Trial Over Claims It Addicted Children to Social Media
Earlier versions
- Aug 17, 12:02 PM — Meta's Trial Against 29 States Over Kids' Social Media Addiction Starts This Week (2/2)
- Aug 18, 8:19 AM — Meta Faces $1.4 Trillion Damages in Child Safety Trial Over Social Media Addiction (3/3)
- Aug 18, 9:01 AM — Meta Faces $200 Billion Lawsuit Over Child Social Media Addiction Claims (2/2)
- Aug 18, 5:39 PM — Meta Faces $200 Billion Lawsuit Over Child Social Media Addiction Claims (6/4)
- Aug 18, 6:07 PM — Meta Faces Trial Over Allegations of Social Media Addiction Among Youths (4/3)