Meta Faces $200 Billion Lawsuit Over Allegations of Exploiting Young Users

In a landmark trial that could greatly impact social media, Meta has been accused of deliberately designing its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, to addict children for profit. The case, initiated by a coalition of US states, seeks up to $200 billion in penalties, echoing historic lawsuits against tobacco companies.

California Attorney General Phil Weiser stated that the legal action is stepping in where Congress has not, highlighting the serious public health implications of marketing to children. He described this moment as akin to the tobacco industry's reckoning decades ago, emphasizing the potential harm inflicted on young users.

During the trial's opening arguments, prosecutor Megan O’Neill characterized Meta's strategy as one focused on ensnaring young users to maximize their engagement and data harvesting. Citing internal communications, she claimed that Meta viewed Instagram as a 'drug' and its employees as 'pushers,' indicating a troubling prioritization of profit over safety.

O’Neill revealed that Meta aimed to attract younger users, asserting that the earlier children began using the app, the more likely they would remain loyal and generate revenue for the company. Despite Meta's defense, which acknowledged some negative user experiences, they argued that the company has made efforts to enhance user safety.

Arturo Bejar, a former engineering director at Meta, testified about the early days of Facebook when user engagement took precedence over safety protocols. Meta's attempt to block his testimony was unsuccessful, allowing critical insights into the company’s practices to come to light.

Outside the courtroom, activists gathered to voice their concerns, with some parents claiming that social media has contributed to tragic outcomes for their children. One mother, Lori Schott, expressed her frustration toward Meta's leadership, emphasizing that wealth and influence do not excuse the harm caused by their platforms.

The trial, which is anticipated to last six weeks, will see notable figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri potentially taking the stand. This case represents a significant step in the ongoing scrutiny of social media's impact on mental health, particularly for younger audiences.

Alongside financial repercussions, the coalition of states is demanding structural changes within Meta's apps to better protect minors, including age restrictions and modifications to features that promote excessive use, such as the infinite scroll function. The stakes are high for Meta, which could face not only hefty fines but also reputational damage that may necessitate sweeping changes to its business practices.

Source: www.france24.com