U.S. states sue Meta for $200 billion

A coalition of around thirty U.S. states has sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the platforms were developed to addict minors. This lawsuit could result in a demand for nearly $200 billion in damages, which equates to approximately €173 billion.

According to reports, the trial is set to begin on Tuesday in Oakland, California, near San Francisco. The states involved in the legal action claim that Meta's practices have had harmful effects on the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers using its platforms.

The accusation includes the claim that Meta did not take appropriate measures to prevent minors from becoming addicted to social media, although the company has always argued that it has implemented reliable safety measures for users.

This lawsuit comes amid increasing scrutiny of tech companies, particularly regarding their responsibility to protect younger users. The states are calling for Meta to take accountability for the consequences of using its platforms.

The legal action is expected to be one of the most significant cases Meta has faced in recent years and could influence future cases related to social media practices and the safety of minors online.

Details of the trial and possible defenses from Meta have not yet been fully disclosed, but the company has faced various criticisms related to how it manages content and interactions among youth on its platforms.