Meta has mid-trial settlement talks in landmark child social media addiction case

• Meta Platforms and state attorneys general have held discussions over a potential mid-trial settlement in a lawsuit accusing the firm of designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to young users.
• The ongoing federal trial in California involves claims from 29 states alleging consumer protection breaches and violations of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
• Several state attorneys general, including Nevada's Aaron Ford, have scheduled press conferences to announce a major consumer protection settlement involving a leading technology company.
• The lawsuit forms part of a wider legal action by US states, local governments, and individuals alleging tech firms sparked a national youth mental health crisis.
• Meta has denied all claims, asserting that it works to safeguard young people and arguing that social media addiction is not a recognised psychiatric condition.

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