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US states accuse Meta of covering up research on teen social media addiction in pivotal trial

Source: The Guardian Business - Published: 18 Aug 2026 23:15

State attorneys general claim tech company intentionally designed addictive products that harm young peopleLawyers representing 29 US states have accused Meta of covering up internal research showing Instagram was addictive for teenagers. In a packed courtroom Tuesday, on the opening day of a landmark legal challenge, they said the company knew its products harmed children but hid that information from the public.“I heard from many of you at jury selection that the health and wellbeing of kids is a shared responsibility,” said Megan O’Neill, a deputy attorney general for California, in her opening statements. “Meta didn’t do its share.” Continue reading...