The state of Tennessee officially opened a major trial against Meta by telling a jury that the company knew its Instagram app harmed young people but chose to keep quiet. State lawyers argued that the tech firm ignored internal research showing that the platform kept kids hooked just to maximize ad profits. This legal battle is expected to last seven weeks and could force big rule changes.
State lawyers claim the firm ignored clear internal safety warnings
During opening statements in a Nashville courtroom, attorneys presented their case against the tech giant. They told the jury that researchers working inside the company repeatedly flagged serious issues with teenage users.
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These internal reports warned that young people were developing eating disorders, depression, and a habit of self-harm. Despite having this clear data, the company reportedly brushed the findings aside. The state even alleged that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg saw these warnings but refused to spend money on fixing the problem.
App features were built to keep teenagers scrolling for hours
The state focused heavily on specific design choices that make the platform hard to put down. Lawyers pointed to tools like infinite scroll, constant alerts, and short videos that play one after another automatically.
Tennessee argues that the company designed these elements to drive compulsive use among children. The longer kids stay glued to Instagram, the more ads the platform can show them. This constant engagement brings in more money, which the state claims was the main priority all along.
The lawsuit demands heavy fines and forced changes for safety
The attorney general wants the court to hand down financial penalties for violating consumer protection laws. Beyond just money, the state hopes to get a strict court order that forces the company to change how its app works.
In response, an attorney for the defense argued that the company has always been open about the risks of social media. The defense team claims the firm already offers strong parental controls and works hard to protect teenagers. Over the next few weeks, the jury will have to decide which side is telling the truth.
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