Politics · India Bureau
Meta Deliberately Exploited Children's Brain Development, US Prosecutor Argues
A US Deputy Attorney General told an Oakland court that Meta intentionally manipulated how children's brains function to addict young users to its platforms. The claim forms part of a legal challenge to the social media giant's practices.
LSN India ·
Meta deliberately "exploited how kids' brains work" to hook children onto its platforms, according to opening arguments presented by Deputy Attorney General Megan O'Neil in an Oakland courtroom. The prosecutor's statement suggests the company engaged in predatory design practices targeting minors' neurological vulnerabilities.
The case represents one of several high-profile legal actions against major technology companies over their impact on young users. Regulators and child welfare advocates globally have raised concerns about how social media platforms employ engagement metrics and algorithmic recommendations that may contribute to addictive usage patterns among children and adolescents.
Meta has faced mounting scrutiny over its business practices, particularly regarding how its platforms—including Facebook and Instagram—affect youth mental health and development. Critics argue that features designed to maximize user engagement, such as infinite scrolling and algorithmic content feeds, exploit psychological mechanisms more vulnerable in developing minds.
The proceedings in Oakland underscore growing governmental concern about technology companies' responsibility in protecting younger users. Similar legal challenges are underway in other jurisdictions, reflecting a broader shift toward holding major tech platforms accountable for potential harms to minors.