Meta faces trial over alleged addiction of young users
A landmark US trial began over claims that Meta deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and misled the public about the risks. Prosecutors from multiple states described intentional exploitation, while Meta denied that social-media addiction exists and rejected the allegations, according to three outlets.
Why it matters
The case could change platform design and establish broader legal accountability for harms to young users.
Sources
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Part of the August 19, 2026 brief.