Meta faces federal trial over social media design and child safety

Meta lawsuit social media regulation child safety online COPPA consumer protection

Meta is facing a major federal trial in Oakland, California, brought by a coalition of 29 U.S. states. The lawsuit alleges that the company deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to maximize engagement among children and adolescents, despite knowing the potential risks to their well-being.

Legal authorities are targeting specific platform features, including infinite scrolling, autoplay, recommendation algorithms, and notifications, arguing these tools are designed to keep young users hooked. The states are also seeking structural changes to how the platforms operate, such as stricter age enforcement and limits on engagement metrics.

In addition to design concerns, the lawsuit includes allegations regarding privacy violations. Prosecutors claim Meta may have collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent, potentially violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). While Meta denies the allegations, four states are pursuing consumer-protection claims that could result in penalties totaling up to $1.4 trillion.

Entities

Facebook · Instagram · Meta · Oakland, California

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Are seeking to end features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and certain engagement metrics. 1075koolfm.com · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Allege Meta may have collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Denies the allegations brought by the states. 1075koolfm.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Accused Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to keep young people hooked and harm their well-being. 1075koolfm.com · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Claim Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Are pursuing consumer-protection claims that could result in penalties of up to $1.4 trillion. 1075koolfm.com

Sources

COULD THIS BE THE END OF THE “LIKE” BUTTON? 👍📱 [1075koolfm.com]

about 13 hours ago

Facebook e Instagram afrontan un juicio que puede redefinir las reglas de las redes sociales para menores – EXTRA | El Diario de Todos [extra.com.co]

about 2 hours ago

Stories e rolagem infinita na mira de julgamento contra Meta [www.spacemoney.com.br]

about 1 hour ago

Facebook e Instagram afrontan un juicio que puede redefinir las reglas de las redes sociales para menores [www.hsbnoticias.com]

about 2 hours ago