Meta Faces Potential $200 Billion Fine in US Child Safety Lawsuit
Attorneys general from 29 U.S. states are accusing Meta of designing features on Instagram and Facebook that harm children's mental health, violate privacy laws, and promote addictive behavior. The lawsuit alleges the company intentionally used tools like infinite scroll and beauty filters to keep young users engaged for longer periods. During opening arguments in a trial expected to last six to eight weeks, California’s deputy attorney general cited internal Meta documents suggesting the company prioritized profits over user well-being. The states are seeking penalties totaling up to $200 billion, though final amounts will depend on court findings and any remedies ordered. While Meta previously estimated potential penalties could reach as high as $1.4 trillion based on its own data, California’s attorney general clarified that the more realistic figure is around $200 billion. The case also includes demands for structural changes such as deleting personal data from children under 13 and removing certain platform features. Meta has denied all allegations, arguing that state lawyers have selectively used internal documents out of context. The company claims it actively works to protect young users by shutting down underage accounts and introducing new safety measures like Teen Accounts on its platforms.
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