Consumer Protection Law
Aug. 19, 2026
Meta, states clash over what is on trial in youth addiction case
States accused Meta of designing its platforms to keep young users hooked while concealing risks, as the company argued jurors must instead decide narrowly defined privacy and consumer protection claims.
OAKLAND -- Attorneys for Meta and states accusing the company of fueling adolescent social media addiction presented jurors with starkly different views Tuesday of what, exactly, is on trial.
For the states, the case calls into question Meta's entire business model.
"Meta's business model can be summed up in four simple words," California Deputy Attorney General Megan M. O'Neill told the jury. "Hook the users, hold them for as long as they can, ...
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