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Meta faces key trial that could reshape Facebook, Instagram

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Warner Poland
August 18, 2026

It may be the largest consumer protection lawsuit in American history. In 2023, 30 US states filed a lawsuit against Meta, claiming it knowingly designed its products and services to be addictive.

Meta faces a major lawsuit accusing the social media company of fueling a youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram features that encourage compulsive use among children and teenagers. Plaintiffs claim Meta knew the risks but downplayed them in public.

Thirty US states are seeking more than $1 trillion in damages and demanding sweeping changes to platform features. Meta has rejected the allegations, and legal experts say the case could pose a serious threat to the company.

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