Attorney General Weiser issues statement at start of trial against Meta over addictive features that harm kids

Attorney General Weiser issues statement at start of trial against Meta over addictive features that harm kids

Aug. 17, 2026 (DENVER) - Ahead of opening statements, Attorney General Phil Weiser today issued the following statement as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general began presenting their case against Meta, alleging the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely assuring parents and the public that its platforms were safe for young users.

"Nearly three years ago, we took action because we believed Meta was putting profits ahead of the health and safety of our kids. Now we are ready to present the evidence and make our case," said Attorney General Weiser. "Meta knew its platforms could harm young people, yet continued practices designed to keep them hooked - sacrificing sleep, being distracted in school, and even considering suicide - because more time online meant more money for Meta. At a time when young people are facing a serious mental health crisis, that is unacceptable. Powerful technology companies must follow the law, and when they don't, we will hold them accountable."

In October 2023, Weiser led the state coalition in filing suit against Meta following a multi-year nationwide investigation. The states allege Meta deliberately designed its platforms to exploit young users' vulnerabilities, foster compulsive use, and maximize the time young people spend on Facebook and Instagram. The attorneys general also allege Meta knew about harms to young users but deceived users, parents, and the public about the risks. The lawsuit further alleges Meta illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Meta has repeatedly tried to prevent the states' case from reaching trial. In 2025, the court rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss key parts of the states' case, allowing claims related to allegedly addictive platform design and Meta's failure to warn young users and parents about known risks to move forward. After the court rejected Meta's motion to rule in their favor without a trial in June 2026, the company asked the district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the trial. Both courts rejected that request, clearing the way for the attorneys general to present their case at trial.

The trial opened before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is expected to last six to eight weeks.

The states are asking the court to hold Meta accountable, stop unlawful practices, and require the company to follow laws designed to protect children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.

The trial will be litigated by counsel from the attorney general offices of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with support from other coalition states.

The lawsuit also includes attorneys general from 25 other states: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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