Kathmandu— Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is currently battling a surge of legal challenges across the United States, Europe, and other regions concerning the design of its platforms and their potential harm to young users. Opening statements began Tuesday in a significant multistate jury trial in California alleging that Meta intentionally created addictive social media features that negatively impact the mental health of children and teenagers; this case, alongside ongoing regulatory scrutiny worldwide, could fundamentally alter how these platforms function.

US States Allege Addictive Design

Twenty-nine US states have joined forces to accuse Meta of designing its platforms to encourage addictive behavior, failing to adequately verify user ages, and inadequately protecting young users from harmful content. The attorneys general allege that features like continuous scrolling and algorithm prompts specifically contribute to harm among younger children. The states are seeking damages potentially totaling $1.4 trillion, as well as court orders mandating changes to Meta’s platforms, including parental verification processes, alterations to dopamine-manipulating algorithms, and the removal of certain filters and messaging options.

Expanding Legal Front in Multiple Countries

The US trial is just one front in a growing global legal battle for Meta. In New Mexico, a judge recently ordered Meta to pay $567 million and modify its platform practices after finding the company liable for harming children’s mental health. Beyond the US, the European Union is investigating Meta under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for potential breaches related to child safety and addictive features, with preliminary findings already indicating violations. The EU could impose hefty fines if Meta fails to address concerns about compulsive use and inadequate risk assessments.

Global Push for Stricter Regulations

Several countries are enacting or considering stricter regulations on social media access for young people. The United Kingdom announced a sweeping ban on social media for those under 16, expected to take effect next year, while Australia has implemented a similar ban set for December 2025. However, studies in Australia reveal limited success with age verification, as many children continue to access platforms despite the restrictions. Brazil and Kenya are also seeing legal action against Meta, addressing issues ranging from algorithmic amplification of harmful content to exploitative working conditions for content moderators.

Experts Predict Platform Adjustments

While a complete overhaul of social media business models is unlikely, experts predict that these legal challenges will force platforms to make adjustments. Sonia Livingstone, a professor at the London School of Economics, believes Meta will likely focus on moderation and tweaking features for younger users. Nonprofit organization 5Rights Foundation emphasizes the need for clear rules with meaningful enforcement and substantial penalties to truly impact tech company practices. The outcome could lead to more diverse social media options prioritizing user well-being over addictive algorithms.

The California trial is expected to last approximately seven weeks, though it may extend longer depending on developments; Meta plans to appeal any unfavorable ruling. These legal battles represent a pivotal moment for social media platforms, potentially ushering in an era of increased regulation and greater accountability.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.