Meta Faces Landmark Trial Over Alleged Child Safety Violations

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) faces a landmark trial beginning February 2, 2026, over allegations it knowingly designed addictive features that harmed minors and violated child safety laws. The case, brought by 42 U.S. states, marks the first major legal test of social media companies’ responsibility for youth mental health impacts. The lawsuit claims Meta prioritized engagement metrics over child welfare, violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and state consumer protection statutes. Internal company documents cited in court filings allegedly show executives were aware of platform risks to teens as early as 2019. A ruling against Meta could trigger sweeping product changes and set precedent for similar litigation against other tech firms.