Thirty U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against Meta, accusing Facebook and Instagram of harming teenagers and violating privacy laws. The plaintiffs are seeking over $1 trillion in damages, as well as mandatory changes to the platforms' operations.
Specifically, the states propose banning the display of 'likes' for users under 18, implementing parental control systems, limiting infinite scrolling, and stopping the autoplay of videos. They also demand a review of recommendation algorithms, which the lawsuit claims negatively impact the mental health of young people. Meta denies these allegations, asserting that the company has spent years working to create a safe environment.
Given that the states involved in the lawsuit represent nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population, a potential success in the trial could force the company to fundamentally change its approach nationwide. This process signals a new phase of tightened oversight for technology giants.
This litigation is not merely a financial claim, but a starting point for increased state control over social media algorithms. Tech giants can no longer ignore their impact on users' mental health.
In the coming months, the focus will not be on the size of the fine, but on whether the court will force the platforms to abandon mechanisms designed to increase user addiction.
