Meta is facing one of its biggest legal battles yet as a landmark US trial over the alleged harm caused by Facebook and Instagram to children and teenagers has begun in California.
A coalition of 29 US states is accusing the company of deliberately designing its platforms to keep young users hooked while failing to adequately protect them from harmful content and other risks. The states also allege that Meta improperly collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.
The case could have major consequences for the millions of Americans who use Facebook and Instagram, particularly children, teenagers and their parents.
What is Meta accused of doing?
The states claim Meta deliberately built features that encourage compulsive use, including mechanisms designed to keep users scrolling and engaged for longer periods.
Prosecutors argue that Meta knew about potential harms to young users but failed to adequately address them.
The lawsuit also alleges that Meta collected data from children under 13 without obtaining the consent required under federal law.
Meta has denied the allegations and says it has invested heavily in protecting young people on its platforms. The company argues that it has introduced safety tools and restrictions for teenagers and that the states have not proved that Facebook and Instagram caused the alleged harms.
How much money could Meta lose?
This is one of the most eye-catching parts of the case.
The states are seeking up to $1.4 trillion in damages, although legal experts say a penalty anywhere near that amount would be extremely unlikely. A more realistic figure could still reach tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars.
But the financial penalty isn't the only concern for Meta.
The states are also seeking major changes to the way Facebook and Instagram operate, including restrictions on certain features and stronger protections for children.
Could Facebook and Instagram actually change?
Yes.
If Meta is held liable, the case could result in significant changes to its platforms.
Among the measures sought by the states are age restrictions and changes to features such as infinite scrolling. That could affect how users discover and consume content on Instagram and Facebook.
The case could also establish a major precedent for other social media companies facing similar accusations.
Meta isn't the only technology company facing lawsuits over alleged harm to children. TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube are also facing legal challenges across the US.
What does the trial mean for parents?
For parents, the case could ultimately determine whether social media companies can be required to take greater responsibility for the way their platforms affect children.
Parents should not expect Facebook or Instagram to suddenly shut down or introduce new restrictions simply because the trial has started. The case is still ongoing, and any major changes would depend on the eventual legal outcome and court orders.
However, the trial puts renewed attention on the safety features already available to parents and teenagers and on how social media platforms verify users' ages.
What does it mean for ordinary users?
For most adult users, nothing changes immediately.
Facebook and Instagram remain available as normal while the case proceeds.
The bigger question is what happens if the states succeed. A ruling against Meta could force the company to redesign certain features, introduce stronger age protections or change how it collects and uses information from younger users.
Why is this trial so important?
The case is being closely watched because it could become a turning point in the growing legal battle over whether social media companies should be held responsible for the effects their platforms have on children.
The trial is expected to last several weeks. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are among the high-profile executives expected to testify.
The jury's verdict will be advisory, with US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ultimately deciding Meta's liability.