Meta faces trial over child safety and 'addictive' app features
Meta (the company behind Instagram and Facebook) is facing a major trial that started on Tuesday, with several states trying to ban features like infinite scroll, autoplay videos, disappearing content, and algorithm-driven feeds.
These tools are being called "addictive" and harmful to kids.
California's Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neill even said Meta put profits first while concealing the "reality" of children under 13 using its platforms.
Potential $1 trillion penalty for Meta
If Meta loses, it could be hit with a $1 trillion penalty and forced to change how its apps work.
This case is part of a bigger push against social media giants like YouTube and Snap over child safety concerns.
Experts say this trial might spark industrywide changes (think fewer addictive features or stricter access for younger users) similar to what happened with tobacco companies in the 1990s.