Meta faces landmark US trial over child safety on Facebook, Instagram

Of the thousands of lawsuits Meta faces over child safety on its platforms, none may be more consequential than one going to trial this week in California.
US states are seeking extensive financial damages that could, in theory, total as much as USD 1.4 trillion, plus changes to how the company operates Facebook and Instagram.
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features that get children addicted to its platforms.

It also claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of federal law.
"Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens.

Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximise its financial gains," the lawsuit says.
Dozens of states filed the lawsuit three years ago.

The trial set to begin Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, features four of