Meta Platforms on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, faced a major federal trial in California over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to encourage excessive use among children and teenagers while failing to adequately protect them.
California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are leading the case for a coalition of 29 states before US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. An eight-member jury will serve in an advisory capacity, while the judge will determine the outcome.
The states allege that Meta used engagement-focused features to prolong young users’ time on its platforms, misrepresented their safety and improperly collected children’s personal information in violation of federal law.
Meta denies the allegations, saying it has invested heavily in youth protections and that the states have not proved the company misled users or caused the harms claimed.
Meta has estimated potential penalties at up to $1.4 trillion, while the states have indicated they could seek about $200 billion. They are also seeking measures including stronger age restrictions and changes to features such as infinite scrolling.
READ ALSO: Meta Hit With $375m Fine For Child Safety Failures
Filed in 2023, the case followed a multistate investigation into Meta’s treatment of young users. It gained momentum after former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen disclosed internal documents and testified before the US Senate in 2021 about research concerning risks to children and teenagers.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram chief Adam Mosseri are expected to testify. The states are expected to rely on internal records, former employees and expert witnesses.
The proceedings come amid a broader legal reckoning over youth safety and social media. On August 6, 2026, a New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a youth mental-health fund and imposed additional safeguards. Meta has said it will appeal.
On August 10, a US appeals court allowed more than 3,000 lawsuits against Meta, Google, TikTok parent ByteDance and Snap to proceed over claims that their platforms can contribute to harm among young users.
The Oakland case could carry wider implications for the social media industry, particularly over platform design, children’s privacy and the responsibilities of technology companies toward minors.