Meta on trial: Instagram, Facebook could face major changes
The trial filed by 29 US stated will begin on Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California
Meta is set to face its biggest test in the form of a landmark youth safety trial that can force the tech giant to bring major changes in Facebook and Instagram.
The trial stems from a lawsuit filed by 29 US states including New York and California, accusing him of developing addictive features that harm young minds.
The trial will begin on Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, featuring four states including California, Kentucky, Colorado and New Jersey as plaintiffs. The other 25 are expected to have trials later.
The lawsuit alleges that Meta is responsible for harming the young users through several key practices. The states accused Meta of intentionally designing its social media platforms with additive features, including video autoplay and infinitely scrollable feeds to keep the young people hooked.
“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains,” the lawsuit says.
The parent company of Facebook was also accused of collecting and utilizing the children’s personal data, leading to violations of privacy and consumers safety.
These states are seeking upwards of $1 trillion from Meta for alleged violations of federal laws. According to the tech company, these damages could reach $1.4 trillion, nearing Meta’s market valuation of $1.5 trillion.
If Meta loses its biggest trial, the company could be forced to implement fundamental platform changes across the entire US.
What potential changes Facebook, Instagram can face?
The lawsuit demands that Meta eliminate or change core product features on Facebook and Instagram. These changes include:
- Eliminating infinite scrolls and video autoplay
- Ending like counts for young users
- Altering “dopamine-manipulating recommendation” algorithms
- Removing specific image filters that alter physical appearance
- Prohibiting the creation of multiple accounts
- Implementing parental verification for teenagers
- Ending disappearing or ephemeral posts like Instagram Stories
- Restricting push notifications and designing features to reduce compulsive app usage
Meta has denied all these wrongful accusations, stating, “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”
In early August, Meta was hit by massive penalties as a New Mexico judge ordered the company to pay $567 million to address youth mental harms and ensure new safety measures.
