Meta denies allegations of addicting children to Facebook-Instagram

Meta Platforms has denied allegations that it deliberately addicted children to Facebook and Instagram for profit. The trial of the high-profile case has begun in a federal court in Oakland, California, in the United States. A bipartisan coalition of 29 US states has demanded billions of dollars in fines and major changes to the company's business practices.

The lawsuit alleges that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram in a way that keeps teenagers hooked on the platforms for extended periods. The plaintiffs claim this has contributed to increased anxiety, depression and suicidal tendencies among children. Additionally, Meta has been accused of violating US law by collecting children's personal information without proper parental consent.

During the hearing, California Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill said Meta's business model is based on addicting users, keeping them on the platforms for longer periods, collecting their data and concealing risks. She claimed that internal Meta documents referred to keeping teenage users on the platform longer as a target.

On the other hand, Meta's lawyer Paul Smeed argued that while some people may have problems with social media use, it has not been scientifically established as addiction. He claimed that research has not found a direct link between teenagers' social media use and mental well-being. He also said Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have always tried to make the service safer and better.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are expected to testify during the six-week trial. The case was filed in 2023, based on internal documents leaked by former Meta employee Frances Haugen.