Chicago – August 19, 2026
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is facing one of its most consequential legal battles over the alleged impact of social media on children. A coalition of attorneys general from 29 U.S. states accuses Meta of deliberately designing its platforms to encourage addictive use among young people and of misleading the public about potential risks.
The federal trial began in Oakland, California, on August 18, 2026. Prosecutors argue that features such as infinite scrolling, recommendations and notifications were designed to maximize engagement, even as Meta’s own research raised concerns about their effects on young users. The states also allege that Meta improperly collected information from children under 13.
Meta denies the allegations, saying it has invested heavily in child safety and that the evidence has been taken out of context. The case could result in substantial financial penalties and changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate.
The trial is expected to last several weeks and could set an important precedent for the regulation of social-media companies and youth safety.
