States take Meta to trial in California in the biggest fight yet over social media harms to children

Multiple states filed a lawsuit against Meta in California, accusing the company of contributing to youth mental health crises by designing addictive features and collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. The plaintiffs are seeking extensive financial damages potentially totaling $1.4 trillion, as well as structural changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate. Meta disputes the allegations while stating its evidence shows its commitment to supporting young people.