Oakland stories

Aug 18, 2026

Meta faces trial over allegations Facebook and Instagram harm children's mental health

A bipartisan coalition of 29 U.S. states began a landmark federal trial in Oakland, California, accusing Meta Platforms of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to addict children and harm young users' mental health. The case could potentially reshape the social media platforms.

Aug 18, 20263 sources

Aug 17, 2026

Meta faces landmark trial as 29 states allege Facebook and Instagram designed to addict children

Opening statements begin in federal court in Oakland, California, in a major multistate lawsuit against Meta alleging the company knowingly designed its platforms to be addictive to children. The trial is considered one of the most consequential of thousands of lawsuits Meta faces over child safety, with states seeking extensive financial damages.

Aug 17, 20266 sources