Meta trial that could reshape Facebook and Instagram begins

The coalition of states that brought the suit allege Meta designed the social media apps to ​addict young users, resulting in harm to their mental health.

A coalition of states suing Meta Platforms over claims Facebook and Instagram were ​designed in ways that harmed young users’ mental health began making its case on Tuesday in California federal court in a trial ‌that could reshape some of the most popular apps on the planet.

Lawyers for California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, which are leading a bipartisan group of 29 states, will give their opening statements before an eight-person jury in Oakland, California.

Jurors are expected to issue an advisory verdict, but U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will determine Meta’s liability. If she finds Meta liable, Rogers could impose ​civil penalties and order changes to Facebook and Instagram.

Add to GoogleMeta faces new youth social media addiction suit after $1B loss01:59The trial will address claims by the four states that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to ​addict young children and teenagers, resulting in such harms as anxiety, depression and even suicide, and misled consumers about the ⁠platforms’ safety.

It will also address claims by all 29 states that Meta violated federal law by improperly collecting and using personal data of children while they used ​its platforms.