Meta’s $200 Billion Trial: Did Instagram & Facebook Keep Kids Hooked?

Meta is facing a potentially massive $200 billion legal battle over allegations that Instagram and Facebook were deliberately designed to keep children hooked. Four US states—California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey—are taking Meta to a landmark federal trial, accusing the company of knowingly exploiting young users’ vulnerabilities through features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, recommendations and notifications. Meta denies the allegations and says it has safeguards including Instagram Teen Accounts and parental controls. The case could have huge implications for Silicon Valley and the wider “attention economy.” If Meta is held responsible, will social-media companies be forced to fundamentally redesign how their platforms work for children?