A coalition of 29 states began a trial against Meta Platforms in California federal court on Tuesday, alleging the company designed Facebook and Instagram in ways that harmed the mental health of young users. The trial in Oakland addresses claims that the platforms were engineered to be addictive to children and teens and that the company misled the public about their safety. Additionally, the states accuse Meta of violating federal law by improperly collecting and using personal data from children.
The legal action follows a multistate investigation launched after 2021 testimony from whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former Meta employee. Haugen told a U.S. Senate committee that the company was aware its products could harm young users but declined to implement safety changes to prioritize profits. Meta has denied these allegations, stating it has invested significant resources into online safety and that the states have not provided evidence of specific harm to their residents.
During the multiweek trial, attorneys for California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey will lead the opening arguments. An eight-person advisory jury will hear the case and issue a verdict, though U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will make the final determination. High-profile executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, are expected to testify. The states intend to present internal company documents and expert testimony to support their claims.
Beyond financial penalties, the 29 states are seeking a court order that would mandate fundamental changes to how Facebook and Instagram function nationwide. If the judge rules against Meta, users would likely see the implementation of strict age restrictions and the removal of features like "infinite scroll," which allows for continuous content consumption. Such a ruling would set a precedent for thousands of other pending lawsuits filed by school districts and municipalities against other social media platforms, including TikTok, Snap Inc., and YouTube.
The legal proceedings will determine whether tech companies bear legal responsibility for the psychological effects of their algorithms and data collection practices on minors. A ruling for the states could force a redesign of social media interfaces to comply with new safety standards. While the trial began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, a final decision from Judge Gonzalez Rogers is not expected until after the multiweek proceedings and the advisory jury's verdict are completed. Specific deadlines for a final ruling have not yet been reported.