Meta Platforms and attorneys general from 29 US states began a federal trial on August 24 in Oakland, California, accusing Meta of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to addict teenagers and misleading consumers about safety features [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The states sought massive financial penalties and changes to Meta’s platform practices, citing violations of state consumer protection laws and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act [1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5].
On August 25, Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that prior to becoming a default setting in September 2024, safety tools like "Take a Break" were used by only 1-2% of teens. He admitted Meta did not disclose the low adoption despite heavy promotion, saying, "Most teens didn’t want it. We decided to push forward with it anyway" [6, 4, 7]. Former employees also testified that Meta's management was disinterested in increasing usage rates of these features due to advertising revenue concerns [7].
Meta denied wrongdoing, calling the proposed platform changes unreasonable and the damages demand an "outlandish payout." It estimated potential trial penalties could reach $1.4 trillion, near its market value, an unprecedented legal figure [1, 2, 3, 6, 5].
On August 26, Meta announced a settlement with nearly 50 US states totaling up to $18 billion over 10 years. The agreement includes restrictions on teen use of Facebook and Instagram with default daily limits of two hours for users under 18 [8, 9, 10, 11]. Meta also promised new safety features and curbs on addictive elements targeting young users [8, 10].
International reactions followed. Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells said social media firms "have the tools at their disposal to protect young people from their addictive features but have chosen not to use them." Despite legal bans, around 80% of Australian minors still access social media [8, 9, 11]. Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski called on the EU to fine Meta €250 million and force stronger anti-scam measures, adding, "I also call on Meta to immediately introduce effective tools to eliminate scams, false advertising, and the promotion of illegal applications" [8, 9]. Countries in Asia including China, South Korea, and India are increasing teen social media regulation [8, 9].
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify in the ongoing trial, but no date has been set [1, 2, 3, 4, 7]. The trial and settlement mark a key point in efforts to address alleged social media harms to younger users.
