A historic trial has begun in California against Meta Platforms Inc., based on serious allegations that its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram are addictive and harmful to children. The highly anticipated hearing for this case commenced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, where four US states have demanded substantial compensation from this major social media company and fundamental changes to the design of its platforms. The plaintiffs claim that Meta knowingly designed its apps in a way that creates addiction among minors and negatively impacts their mental health.
California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey – these four states have accused Meta of misleading the public about the safety of Instagram and Facebook and intentionally making the apps addictive for minors. Attorneys for the states further allege that Meta is violating privacy laws by regularly collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent. The lawsuit seeks approximately $200 billion (about €173 billion) in damages and demands significant changes to Meta's core platforms. This is part of a larger lawsuit filed in 2023 by a coalition of 29 states, which accused Meta of creating addictive features in its apps.
Opening statements for the case were scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Oakland, a short distance from San Francisco, California. This trial is seen as a crucial turning point in the global debate surrounding social media accountability and its impact on children. Experts believe that the verdict of this case could profoundly influence the future design and business models of social media companies. The outcome of this case could set a new standard for technology companies, increasing their responsibility for child online safety.
Several key witnesses are expected to testify during the trial. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to appear in court as one of the main witnesses in this case. Additionally, Arturo Bejar, a former Meta employee and expert witness, has been called to testify, despite the company's attempts to prevent his appearance. According to court documents, attorneys for the states will question him for three hours regarding Meta's safety practices and the information the company publicly disclosed. This testimony could reveal important information about Meta's internal operations and its true efforts in protecting children.
Eight advisory jurors are serving in this case, but the final decision will rest with Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has described this case as “the largest consumer protection case in US history.” He stated in a press release, “We will show the jury that Meta knew the harm its products were causing to young people but concealed it because ignoring this truth was more profitable for them.” His remarks reflect the significance of the case and the plaintiffs' firm stance.
On the other hand, Meta has strongly disagreed with these allegations. The company stated in a press release, “We are proud of our record in protecting teenagers on our platforms and our efforts over the years to build safety measures, even before these lawsuits were filed.” Meta further added, “We look forward to showing those facts to the judge and jury in court.” Their response indicates the company's confidence that it will be able to prove its position in court.
The trial process is expected to last six to eight weeks, with a verdict likely by October. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications not only for Meta but for the entire social media industry. It could set a historic precedent regarding children's online safety and the ethical responsibility of technology companies. Millions of users and policymakers worldwide are closely watching this case, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the digital landscape.
