US States Allege Meta Concealed Research on Instagram’s Impact on Teens
Megan O'Neill, the deputy attorney general for California, told the jury that Meta did not take any action despite being aware of the risks associated with the social media platforms.
Washington: Attorneys for 29 US states on Tuesday alleged that Meta concealed internal research that suggested Instagram could be addictive for teens, according to reports.
What are the allegations?
The allegations came as a major lawsuit against Meta commenced in a federal court in Oakland, California. It is expected to last for six to eight weeks.
As per the lawsuit, Meta knowingly designed Instagram and Facebook features in such a way that the users would get addicted to them, despite being aware of the fact that these features can have a negative impact on their mental well-being.
What did Megan O'Neill say?
Megan O'Neill, the deputy attorney general for California, told the jury that Meta did not take any action despite being aware of the risks associated with the social media platforms.
"I heard from many of you at jury selection that the health and wellbeing of kids is a shared responsibility. Meta didn’t do its share," said Megan O'Neill.
According to O'Neill, lawyers will produce internal documents and testimonies from the investigation of Meta.
One of the documents is reported to say “the young ones are the best ones”. Another document reportedly says: “Teens are hooked despite how it makes them feel. Instagram is addictive." "They knew," O'Neill said. "Time and again, profits won."
What is the case?
In addition to the 233-page lawsuit filed by 29 US states in October 2023, the company is alleged to be collecting data from children under 13 without their parents' permission, violating federal and state laws.
The states said that Meta "refuses to abandon its use of known harmful features" and is trying to "maximize its financial gains".
It is alleged that Meta can have to pay damages worth up to $200 billion if found guilty. The states have demanded certain modifications in the company's products for the safety of children.
What did Meta say?
Meta has denied all the allegations. According to Paul Schmidt, Meta’s lawyer, the documents and emails produced by the states were selectively quoted and taken out of context.
