A trial arising from a major lawsuit brought by US states has begun, with the states alleging that Meta hooked children on Facebook and Instagram. Meta has argued that social media addiction does not exist, according to the BBC.
Key facts
- A trial stemming from a major lawsuit brought by US states has got under way, according to the BBC.
- The case alleges Meta hooked children on Facebook and Instagram.
- Meta argued in court that social media addiction does not exist.
- The BBC did not detail the specific states involved or the individual claims in the reporting available.
A trial has begun in the United States over allegations that Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, hooked children on its social media platforms, according to the BBC.
The proceedings stem from a major lawsuit brought by US states. As the trial got under way, the central claim before the court is that the company drew young users into its platforms.
In its response, Meta argued that social media addiction does not exist, the BBC reported, placing the existence and definition of social media addiction at the centre of the dispute.
The BBC described the case as a major lawsuit involving multiple US states as plaintiffs, but did not detail the specific states involved or the individual claims in the reporting available.
With the trial only just beginning, the arguments so far set up a contest between the states’ allegations about the effect of Facebook and Instagram on children and Meta’s rejection of the concept of social media addiction. Further developments are expected as the case proceeds.
Why it matters
The trial could shape how courts and regulators treat claims that social media platforms harm young users. Because it involves Meta, one of the world's largest technology companies, and multiple US states, the outcome may influence future accountability and product design decisions across the industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Meta trial about?
According to the BBC, the trial stems from a major lawsuit brought by US states alleging that Meta hooked children on Facebook and Instagram.
What is Meta's defence?
The BBC reported that Meta argued social media addiction does not exist as the trial got under way.
Who brought the lawsuit?
The BBC reported that the case was brought by US states, though the available reporting does not name the specific states involved.