Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 18, 2026 —

Oakland, CA – California Attorney General Rob Bonta opened a trial against Meta Platforms Inc. on Monday, accusing the social media giant of prioritizing profits over the safety and well-being of children using its platforms.

The trial, which began in Oakland, centers on allegations that Meta has knowingly allowed and even encouraged harmful features and designs that negatively impact young users. Bonta stated in his opening remarks that the company has understood the risks its products pose to children but has continued to operate in ways that maximize engagement and revenue, regardless of the consequences.

The Attorney General’s office is seeking to hold Meta accountable for what it describes as a systemic failure to protect minors. The core of the state’s argument suggests that Meta’s business model inherently conflicts with the safety of its youngest users, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health and development.

Details regarding specific features, design choices, or the timeline of Meta’s alleged knowledge of these harms were not extensively detailed in the opening statements. The trial is expected to delve deeper into these specifics as evidence is presented.

Meta has previously denied similar allegations, asserting its commitment to child safety and the implementation of various tools and policies aimed at protecting young users. The company’s defense is expected to counter the state’s claims by highlighting these efforts and potentially arguing that external factors or individual user choices play a significant role in the outcomes experienced by young people online.

The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for how social media companies are regulated and held responsible for the impact of their platforms on children.



Story summarized from the original created by Katie Chavez on fox40.com, see more information here.

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