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Meta Platforms is facing a major US trial over allegations that Facebook and Instagram violated children’s privacy laws and deliberately designed features that encourage young users to spend more time on the platforms.
The trial, which began in California this week, could potentially lead to sweeping changes to how the social media services operate.
Attorneys general from 29 US states are pursuing the case, accusing Meta of collecting data from children under 13 without parental consent and of using features that can contribute to excessive or addictive use among young people.
Meta has denied the allegations and says it has taken steps to improve safety for minors.
The states are seeking potentially enormous financial damages, which Meta has estimated could reach as much as $1.4 trillion.
They are also seeking fundamental changes to Facebook and Instagram, particularly in the way the platforms are designed for younger users.
Among the proposed measures are ending infinite scrolling for young users, removing like counts, strengthening parental verification, changing recommendation algorithms and deleting algorithms trained on children’s data.
Authorities have also sought restrictions on video autoplay, disappearing posts and the creation of multiple accounts by minors.
The case could therefore have consequences far beyond the financial penalties.
If Meta loses, the company could be forced to redesign some of the most familiar features of Facebook and Instagram, potentially setting a precedent for how social media platforms protect children and handle their personal data.
The trial is expected to last several weeks and is being closely watched as one of the most significant legal tests yet of social media companies’ responsibility for youth safety and privacy.