If Meta loses this trial, Instagram and Facebook could change forever

Meta Trial Over Instagram and Facebook Features for Young Users Begins

A jury trial involving Meta Platforms and claims by several US states over the design of Instagram and Facebook for users under 18 is scheduled to start this week in federal court in California. The case centers on allegations that certain platform features violate privacy laws and contribute to extended use by minors.

The lawsuit originated with filings by 33 states in 2023. The current proceeding involves four states seeking approximately $1.4 trillion in damages and specific operational changes. Among the requested remedies are the removal of visible like counts, limits on infinite scroll, requirements for parental verification of teenage accounts, adjustments to recommendation systems, restrictions on certain photo filters, an end to video autoplay, prohibitions on multiple accounts per user, and limits on ephemeral content such as Stories. The states also allege that notification patterns make it harder for young users to reduce time spent on the apps.

Meta has stated that it disagrees with the allegations and maintains that its policies reflect a commitment to user safety. Company representatives have pointed to existing age-appropriate settings, parental tools, and prior modifications to features such as default privacy controls for accounts held by minors.

The features at issue form part of the standard interface on both platforms. Like counts, for example, have been present since the early period when the service operated solely as Facebook. Recommendation algorithms determine the order of content shown to users, and autoplay and infinite scroll are common across many digital services. The states argue these elements increase session length. Meta has not confirmed the internal descriptions used in the complaint and has described its research processes as focused on product improvement rather than user retention at any cost.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who is presiding, previously handled other high-profile technology cases. Her rulings in this matter will determine whether the requested changes are imposed.

Research on the relationship between social media platforms and youth mental health shows mixed results. Some studies have reported associations between metrics such as like counts and short-term changes in mood or self-reported social comparison among adolescents. Other analyses, including longitudinal reviews by independent researchers, have found that overall screen time and specific platform features explain only a small portion of variance in depression or anxiety rates when controlling for family environment, sleep patterns, and pre-existing conditions. Government health agencies in multiple countries continue to examine these questions, and no consensus has emerged on direct causation.

The case follows earlier proceedings in other jurisdictions where courts examined similar claims. In one New Mexico matter, a judge issued an order describing platform operations as a public nuisance, though that finding remains under appeal and applies only within that state. Meta has produced millions of internal documents in the current litigation, consistent with standard discovery requirements.

If the states prevail on liability, the remedies phase could require Meta to alter default settings for users identified as under 18 across its services. Such changes would affect how content is ranked and displayed but would not necessarily eliminate the platforms themselves. Meta has indicated it would consider further appeals on any adverse ruling.

The trial is expected to include testimony from company employees, state officials, and expert witnesses on both platform mechanics and available data regarding adolescent behavior online. Proceedings are open to the public, and additional details on evidence will become available as the case advances.