Kathmandu— Opening statements began Tuesday in a landmark US case brought by attorneys general from 29 states against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the social media giant knowingly designed its apps to exploit vulnerabilities in the brains of young people. The trial, taking place in federal court in California before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers with an advisory jury, centers on claims that Meta prioritized profit over user safety and actively concealed information about the potential harm its platforms could inflict on children’s mental health. The lawsuit stems from a 2021 whistleblower's allegations and seeks significant financial penalties as well as changes to Meta’s platform design.

Allegations of Intentional Design

During opening statements, California Deputy Attorney General Megan O’Neill argued that Meta intentionally designed its products to maximize user engagement—specifically targeting children—through addictive features and data collection. She stated the company aimed to “hook the users, hold them for as long as they can, harvest their data, and then hide the truth from the public,” emphasizing the effectiveness of these tactics on young people. The states allege that Meta made deliberate decisions to facilitate excessive platform use among its youngest users and collected data on children under 13 in violation of federal law.

Meta’s Defense and Counterclaims

Meta has consistently refuted the allegations, maintaining that it prioritizes user safety and has implemented features designed to protect teenagers. In a statement released prior to the trial, Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway described the states' claims as “unsubstantiated” and their financial demands as “vastly disproportionate.” She highlighted recent initiatives such as Instagram Teen Accounts—launched in 2024 with limited contact options for underage users—and parental control features allowing time limits on usage. Otway also asserted that the lawsuit attempts to penalize Meta for challenges common across the industry, like age verification.

Potential Financial Impact and Previous Rulings

The potential financial consequences for Meta are substantial; while the states initially sought fines up to $1.4 trillion, they are now seeking roughly $200 billion. The company has already faced significant penalties in related cases, including a $942 million fine ordered in a separate lawsuit brought by New Mexico—$375 million from a jury verdict and an additional $567 million ordered by a judge earlier this month. In a January filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Meta acknowledged that these lawsuits could result in “substantial monetary damages or fines.” The company’s stock price fell more than 3 percent during midday trading on Tuesday as the trial began.

Whistleblower Testimony and Legal Battles

The lawsuit's origins trace back to a 2021 US Senate committee hearing featuring Frances Haugen, a former Facebook data scientist. Haugen testified that Meta was aware of the potential negative impacts its products could have on young users but continued to prioritize profits. Meta has repeatedly attempted to dismiss the coalition’s lawsuit, most recently seeking summary judgment in June—a motion which would have ended the case without a trial.

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with Judge Gonzalez Rogers ultimately deciding the outcome despite the presence of an advisory jury. The proceedings are closely watched by legal experts and advocates concerned about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.