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Mon, 17 Aug 2026

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 If Meta loses this trial, Instagram and Facebook could change forever

Thirty US states have sued Meta to force an overhaul of its platforms for young users.

* A jury trial set to begin on Tuesday may pose a significant threat to Meta's operations, with 30 US states seeking upwards of $1 trillion in damages and demanding changes to Instagram and Facebook.
* The states are suing Meta for violating federal and state privacy laws, specifically targeting its platforms' impact on young users.
* Changes being demanded include: + Implementing parental verification for teenage users + Changing "dopamine-manipulating recommendation algorithms" + Removing image filters that change one's appearance in photos + Ending autoplay of video content + Prohibiting the creation of multiple accounts + Disallowing disappearing or ephemeral posts, such as Instagram Stories
* Meta has denied these claims, stating it has a "longstanding commitment to supporting young people".
* A recent ruling against Meta in New Mexico ordered the company to make similar changes, including eliminating like counts for users under 18 and limiting push notifications.
* If the 30 states prevail, Meta would likely need to enact platform changes across the US, which could have significant implications for social media platforms.
* Research has shown that engagement metrics, such as like counts, can drive feelings of rejection and depression in teenagers, with Meta's own research suggesting links to "social comparison" and negative mood.