A federal trial in California will determine if Meta must change its practices after 29 states, including North Carolina, accused the company of making Facebook and Instagram addictive for children and misleading parents about the risks.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is now at the center of a major federal trial in Oakland, California, as 29 state attorneys general-including North Carolina's Jeff Jackson-allege the company deliberately designed its social media platforms to be addictive for children and misled the public about the risks. The trial, which began this week, is expected to last six weeks and could have significant implications for how social media companies operate in the United States.
According to court filings, the coalition of attorneys general claims Meta's business practices have contributed to mental health challenges among young users by encouraging excessive screen time and failing to adequately protect children from harmful content. The states are seeking court orders that would require Meta to comply with child protection laws, pay financial penalties, and forfeit profits allegedly earned through unlawful conduct.
States Challenge Meta's Safety Measures
Meta has denied the allegations, pointing to recent updates intended to improve safety for teens. The company says it restricts accounts for users under 13, offers parental controls, and has introduced features such as content filters and time limits. Meta also recently added a parental alert system that notifies guardians if a teen mentions suicide or self-harm to Meta AI. However, some parents and advocates argue these tools are insufficient or difficult to use, and that children can still bypass age restrictions by providing false information.
During opening statements, Meta's legal team acknowledged that some underage users do access the platforms, but described this as an industry-wide challenge. The company maintains that it is committed to transparency and ongoing improvements in user safety.
Advice for Parents and Legislative Action
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized that, regardless of the trial's outcome, parents play a crucial role in managing their children's social media use. Jackson, who has children himself, described setting household limits on screen time and encouraging kids to earn additional time through chores. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in monitoring online activity and establishing healthy boundaries.
Advocacy groups, such as the Young People's Alliance, have called for stronger legislation to address what they describe as manipulative design features-like infinite scroll and autoplay-that can keep young users engaged for extended periods. In North Carolina, lawmakers are considering House Bill 301, which would prohibit children under 14 from creating social media accounts and require parental consent for users aged 14 and 15. The bill also proposes a $50,000 fine per violation for companies that fail to verify users' ages. A conference committee is currently working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
Broader Context and Next Steps
This trial is part of a growing national debate over the responsibilities of technology companies in protecting children online. Similar lawsuits and legislative efforts are underway in other states, reflecting widespread concern about the impact of social media on youth mental health. The attorneys general involved in the case have stated that any financial penalties imposed on Meta are intended as a deterrent rather than a remedy for past harm.
As the trial proceeds, families and policymakers across the country are watching closely to see whether the court will require Meta to make substantial changes to its platforms. The outcome could influence future regulations and industry standards for social media companies nationwide. For more on how federal and state officials are responding to technology-related challenges, see our coverage of recent disputes between state election leaders and the federal government.
Community organizations and parents are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing legislative developments and to take an active role in guiding children's online experiences. The trial's results may set new precedents for digital safety and corporate accountability in the years ahead.
