Meta, US states have discussed settling teen social media harm case, Bloomberg News reports

Meta Platforms is in discussions to settle a lawsuit accusing the company of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to young users. Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that the company and state attorneys general are exploring a potential mid-trial settlement.

The report emerges during a federal court trial in California, which is a significant test of allegations that social media companies have harmed young people. The trial began with jury selection on August 12, following a federal appeals court's decision not to halt proceedings.

Meta, along with the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, had not immediately responded to requests for comment. However, late Tuesday, several state attorneys general issued advisories about upcoming press conferences. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford's office indicated it would announce a "major consumer protection settlement involving a leading technology company."

The lawsuit is part of a larger legal effort by states, local governments, and individuals who claim Meta and other social media platforms have contributed to a nationwide youth mental health crisis. The current federal trial focuses on claims that Meta violated consumer protection laws in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and New Jersey.

“

a major consumer protection settlement involving a leading technology company.