Meta Accused of Hooking Children, Faces $200 Billion Charge

A federal court in the United States heard testimony Tuesday in a trial that accuses Meta Platforms Inc. of deliberately designing Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to children. The case, brought by a coalition of states, alleges that the social‑media giant knowingly exploited young users, creating features that foster prolonged engagement and dependency. The plaintiffs argue that Meta’s engineering decisions were tailored to maximize user time on the platforms, at the expense of minors’ well‑being.

The states seek a punitive award of roughly $200 billion, citing the companies’ role in promoting addictive behavior among children. They contend that Meta’s products have been engineered to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in younger audiences, a claim that aligns with concerns raised by experts who have likened the situation to a “big tobacco moment” for social media. The court will consider evidence of Meta’s internal research, product design choices, and the broader impact on adolescent users before deciding on liability and damages.

If the jury finds Meta liable, the case could set a significant precedent for regulating the design of social‑media platforms, potentially prompting stricter oversight of features that target or retain young users. The outcome will also influence ongoing discussions about corporate responsibility and the regulation of digital products that appeal to minors.