Meta is facing a major legal challenge in the United States that could lead to significant changes to the way Instagram and Facebook operate, particularly for younger users.
The case, brought by 30 US states including California and New York, accuses Meta of violating federal and state laws designed to protect children online. Filed in 2023, the lawsuit claims that the company deliberately designed parts of its platforms in ways that could encourage children and teenagers to spend more time on its services.
The states are seeking potentially enormous financial penalties, reportedly reaching more than $1 trillion, while also demanding sweeping changes to several features across Instagram and Facebook.
Proposed Changes Could Reshape Social Media
If the states succeed, Meta could be required to introduce a range of changes affecting how young people use its platforms.
Among the measures being requested are:
- Introducing parental verification for teenage accounts
- Changing recommendation systems that allegedly encourage prolonged engagement
- Removing certain appearance-altering image filters
- Disabling automatic video playback
- Restricting users from creating multiple accounts
- Removing disappearing content such as Instagram Stories
- Eliminating or restricting “like” counts for younger users
The states argue that many of these features are deliberately designed to keep users engaged for longer periods.
They also claim that Meta uses notifications and other features to encourage young users to repeatedly return to its platforms.
According to the lawsuit, Meta prioritised growing its user base and business by allegedly taking advantage of younger users. The company, whose market value is around $1.5tn, has strongly rejected these allegations.
A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the claims and believes the evidence will demonstrate its long-standing efforts to support young people.
Trial Could Become a Major Test for Meta
The case is being heard by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California. The judge has gained considerable attention for her direct approach and has presided over several high-profile technology-related legal disputes.
The outcome could have implications far beyond the financial penalties involved.
If Meta is ordered to make major changes to its platforms, the company could be forced to reconsider some of the features that have become fundamental to Instagram and Facebook.
New Mexico Case Adds Pressure
Meta is already dealing with another significant legal setback.
A judge in New Mexico recently ordered the company to pay a combined $942m penalty and introduced several measures aimed at protecting users under 18.
Those measures include removing like counts for younger users, restricting teenagers from sending or receiving nude content and limiting push notifications during certain hours.
The judge also described Meta as a “public nuisance”, comparing the company's alleged impact on young people to the harmful effects associated with environmental pollution.
Meta has said it plans to appeal that decision.
Although the New Mexico ruling applies only within that state, the situation could become much more significant if the 30-state lawsuit reaches a similar outcome.
Potential Nationwide Impact
The states involved in the case account for almost two-thirds of the US population. As a result, a major ruling against Meta could make it difficult for the company to maintain different versions of Instagram and Facebook across individual states.
Instead, Meta could find itself implementing broad changes across the country.
Such a decision could affect some of the most recognisable elements of social media, including recommendation algorithms, likes, notifications, Stories, autoplay videos and photo filters.
For Meta, the trial therefore represents more than another legal dispute. A major loss could force the company to rethink how its platforms are designed for millions of young users and potentially change the way Americans experience Instagram and Facebook.
