Day 13 · Meta Child Mental Health Lawsuit

Meta Addiction Trial Begins

State attorneys say Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children despite risks.

Left & Center from 22 sources

11 left12 center5 right

Updated Aug 18, 8:46pm ET

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Opening statements began Tuesday in Oakland, California, in a federal jury trial over claims by state attorneys general that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and harm youth mental health. California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking penalties that could theoretically reach $1.4 trillion, plus court-ordered changes to Meta’s products and practices. The broader 29-state case alleges Meta targeted young users, exploited their data and concealed risk research in violation of child privacy and consumer-protection laws; Meta denies wrongdoing.

Analysis & opinion

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weigh in — but each argues its own distinct claim, so no shared angle emerged. The other report the story straight.

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