In Meta’s trial, families of social media victims see a pivotal moment for online safety
A group of states is suing Meta in federal court, claiming the company designed its social media platforms to be addictive to children and caused them harm. Meta denies these claims. The trial, one of the biggest cases against the company over child safety, is now underway.
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National story. 117 articles from 56 sources. 53 are on the bar; 3 are international, entertainment or tech outlets, listed separately. Updated Aug 20, 2026.
Part of The social media addiction lawsuits against Meta, YouTube and TikTok
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12 sourcesMeta defends its child safety efforts but critics say the social media giant falls short
Meta whistleblower told jury the company took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach to kids' safety
Trial for Meta begins with states arguing its platforms preyed on vulnerability of young brains
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33 sourcesFormer Meta Engineer Arturo Béjar Testifies Mark Zuckerberg Put Profits Over Child Safety
Meta faces landmark trial over claims it intentionally hooked young users
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8 sourcesMeta Whistleblower Testifies Meta Took 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Approach to Child Safety
States Accuse Zuckerberg’s Meta of Hooking Children for Profit as Landmark Trial Threatens to Reshape Social Media
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta had ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy on child safety, ex-employee testifies in historic trial
Meta aimed to ‘hook’ teens on Facebook and Instagram, lied about health risks, prosecutor argues as historic case begins
States accuse Meta of targeting children for Facebook, Instagram addiction: 'The young ones are the best ones'
Other outlets
International, entertainment and tech outlets, by their rating. Not counted in the bar above. How we count coverage
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7 articlesZuckerberg lied about concern for child safety, Meta whistleblower testifies at landmark trial
Trial begins that could force Meta to change Facebook and Instagram
US: Meta hooked children, prosecutors say, as trial over social media harm begins
Landmark trial on Meta’s impact on children’s mental health begins in US
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The story so far
4 developments- Aug 17States take Meta to trial in California in the biggest fight yet over social media harms to children
- Aug 18Trial for Meta begins with states arguing its platforms preyed on vulnerability of young brains
- Aug 18Meta sued by US states for hooking and exploiting kids in pursuit of profit
- Aug 19Zuckerberg lied about concern for child safety, Meta whistleblower testifies at landmark trial
Who covered each development
No new developments
Quiet for 59 daysLast development · Aug 19 — Zuckerberg lied about concern for child safety, Meta whistleblower testifies at landmark trial