Meta Claims 32 States' $1.4 Trillion Lawsuit Is Just an Attempt To 'Chase an Outlandish Payout'
Meta faces a $1.4 trillion lawsuit from 32 states alleging it engineered addictive platforms for teens and ignored harm.Summary
On 18 August, Meta began opening arguments in a California trial where 32 U.S. states seek up to $1.4 trillion in damages, claiming the company deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for teenagers and then ignored the resulting harm. Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, denies the claims, calling the allegations "unsubstantiated" and the proposed penalties "vastly disproportionate," and argues it has implemented parental controls and well‑being prompts. The lawsuit follows recent defeats, including a Los Angeles jury verdict and a New Mexico case that ordered Meta to pay nearly half a billion dollars for creating a public nuisance. If the court accepts the states’ argument, a large penalty could force Meta to overhaul its business model, potentially introducing paid subscriptions or restricting under‑18 access. Most experts expect a settlement below the theoretical maximum, with billions earmarked for youth mental‑health programs, but the case could reshape industry standards for platform design and user protection.
(Source：International Business Times)