Trial begins against Meta for alleged targeted manipulation of children

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is now facing a trial that could set a significant precedent regarding its business model and alleged harm to young users.

In the opening statements of a potentially landmark U.S. trial, California's deputy attorney general, Megan O'Neill, accused Meta of making children addicted to its platforms. She stated that the company "exploited" the way young users' brains function and deliberately misled the public about these effects. The trial centers on accusations that Meta's design choices have fueled social media addiction among minors.

The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, faces the prospect of staggering fines, potentially reaching up to $1.4 trillion. However, Meta has pushed back against the core allegations, with its defense team refuting the claims made by the prosecution. The company acknowledges that users have been harmed but denies the central accusations leveled against it.

This legal battle follows revelations from the "Facebook Files," which brought to light internal research suggesting Meta was aware of the negative impacts its platforms could have on young users, particularly teenage girls. The trial will examine whether Meta's business practices prioritized engagement and profit over the well-being of its youngest users.

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Meta has made children and adolescents addicted, exploited the way their brains function, and misled the public.