'Profits won.' The child safety trial against Meta kicks off in federal court

“Opening arguments began in a federal courtroom in Oakland as four state attorneys general—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—sued Meta Platforms, alleging the company deliberately designed Instagram and Facebook to addict minors and concealed the risks. The states claim Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting data on users under 13 without parental consent and that its business model hinges on hooking, holding, harvesting, and hiding information from the public. Potential penalties could reach $1.4 trillion, roughly the total market value of Meta, making this case one of the most financially consequential tech lawsuits in U.S. history. Expert Analysis: The trial could force Meta to overhaul its algorithmic recommendation systems, prompting industry‑wide redesigns that prioritize user well‑being over engagement metrics. A ruling against Meta would also signal to regulators and investors that massive data‑driven platforms are no longer immune to liability for harms to children, potentially reshaping the U.S. digital advertising market.”