Meta is at the center of a legal dispute in the United States, where a potential fine of $1.4 trillion (equivalent to about R$ 7.7 trillion) has been proposed. Four American states accuse the company of developing features on Facebook and Instagram aimed at encouraging excessive use of these social networks by teenagers.
State Allegations
The states of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey allege that Meta created features that encourage compulsive use of the platforms by young people. Furthermore, they maintain that the company failed to adequately inform users about the risks associated with using these networks. The amount of the potential penalty was determined based on the estimated number of affected teenagers and the fines established by state legislation, reaching a figure close to Meta's market value.
Defense and Legal Charges
Meta refutes this assessment, presenting the court with a document stating that the proposed amount is not supported by the evidence in the case. The company declared that 'a sanction of this magnitude has no parallel in the history of consumer protection law enforcement.' The lawsuit also includes allegations of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits collecting minors' data without parental consent.
Other Actions and Company Stance
In addition to the lawsuit filed by the four states, there are other ongoing actions against Meta in the US. Among the central issues under review are allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed with potentially addictive elements, suspicions of collecting children's data without guardian permission, and the trial scheduled for August, although other state actions have distinct analyses.
Meta vehemently denies all accusations. The company argues that the attorneys general failed to present proof that consumers were misled and defends that the concept of 'social media addiction' does not constitute an officially recognized psychiatric condition.
Future Impact and Judicial Decision
The company also faces other litigation related to the protection of children and adolescents. According to Reuters, 29 states have initiated lawsuits against Meta, while another 14 have filed complaints based on their own laws. Last month, district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers denied Meta's request to postpone the trial, keeping questions open about the platforms' potential addictiveness, the company's statements on the matter, and the targeting of these services toward young audiences.
Following this decision, California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that Meta prioritized profit over child safety, promising to hold it 'fully' accountable for its role in the adolescent mental health crisis. The August trial will serve as an important test to determine how the American judicial system will address accusations against major social networks involving the safety of young users.
