Story perspectives

29 States Sue Meta Over Addictive Design at Trial

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Meta Platforms Inc. faces a U.S. trial sued by 29 state attorneys general over addictive design.
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million and adopt new youth safety measures.
Former Meta engineer Arturo Béjar testified internal studies showed higher harmful-content reports among younger users.
Béjar said Meta labeled “problematic use” instead of “addiction,” undercounting harms, prompting states to seek permanent nationwide injunctive relief.

History

Historical Context

Congress enacted COPPA in 1998, and the FTC began enforcing it when the rule took effect on April 21, 2000, after discovering that 89 % of children’s sites collected personal data without notice. Its $40,000 per-violation penalties established a precedent that now guides the legal challenges against Meta brought by multiple state attorneys general.

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Story summary

Meta Platforms Inc. faces a U.S. trial sued by 29 state attorneys general over addictive design.
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million and adopt new youth safety measures.
Former Meta engineer Arturo Béjar testified internal studies showed higher harmful-content reports among younger users.
Béjar said Meta labeled “problematic use” instead of “addiction,” undercounting harms, prompting states to seek permanent nationwide injunctive relief.

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