Meta is on trial – again. Here's what to know about the case brought by dozens of states

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is now on trial as dozens of states accuse it of violating children's privacy and employing psychologically manipulative features designed to maximize user engagement. The multi-state lawsuit, which opened Tuesday, could significantly alter how children interact with social media platforms.

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Meta disputes both the science and the legal theories.

Attorneys general from 29 states, both Democratic and Republican, have joined the litigation. They assert that Meta's core business model is centered on keeping children scrolling for as long as possible. The lawsuit claims Meta has deceived the public by developing features that encourage compulsive use while falsely presenting them as safe. Furthermore, the states allege that Meta has published misleading reports to downplay concerns about children's experiences on its platforms and continues to use known harmful features, misrepresenting their impact.

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Meta's business model focuses on making sure children spend as much time and attention on Facebook and Instagram as possible.

The states also contend that Meta violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting data from children without parental consent. In its defense, Meta has denied all allegations, with law professor Daryl Lim noting that the company disputes both the scientific evidence and the legal theories presented. Meta argues there is no proof its products are addictive and that its public statements were truthful. The company also invokes Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment, asserting that its services are age-restricted and that any improper use by minors is due to their own deceptive conduct.

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Meta deceived the public by creating 'harmful and psychologically manipulative' product features that encouraged 'compulsive and extensive' app use while saying those features were safe.