(Web Desk) - Four U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, alleging that the company deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to make young users addicted while misleading the public about the safety of its platforms.
According to a recent court filing by Meta, the proposed financial penalty sought by the states could reach $1.4 trillion, an amount close to the company's estimated $1.5 trillion market value.
Reports said the trial is scheduled to begin in August in Oakland, where California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey will argue that Meta violated state consumer protection laws by creating addictive digital products for children and teenagers.
Meta has denied all allegations, stating that the proposed penalty has no legal or evidentiary basis. The company also argued that there is no precedent in the history of consumer protection laws for a financial penalty of this magnitude.
The case remains pending, and no final court ruling has been issued. The allegations are still being examined through the judicial process.