The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts held a crucial hearing on Friday, listening to arguments in a significant lawsuit filed by the state against Meta Platforms Inc. The core allegation is that the tech giant intentionally engineered features on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to foster addiction among young users.
State Alleges Deliberate Design for Addiction
The lawsuit, initiated by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell in 2024, contends that Meta's primary motive was profit. It claims the company's actions have negatively impacted hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who are active on these social networks.
Representing the state, Solicitor David Kravitz clarified the legal stance. He stated that the claims are specifically based on the tools and features developed by Meta, which internal company research allegedly shows encourage compulsive use. Kravitz emphasised that the case does not challenge the platform's algorithms or its content moderation practices.
Meta's Defense: First Amendment and Commitment
Meta responded forcefully, expressing strong disagreement with the allegations. The company's attorney, Mark Mosier, argued in court that the lawsuit seeks to impose liability for what are essentially traditional publishing functions, which he claims are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
"The Commonwealth would have a better chance of getting around the First Amendment if they alleged that the speech was false or fraudulent," Mosier contended. He added that since the state acknowledges the content is truthful, it falls squarely under constitutional protection. Separately, Meta asserted its "longstanding commitment to supporting young people" and expressed confidence that evidence would vindicate its position.
A Broader Legal Battle and Mounting Criticism
This case is not isolated. Meta is confronting a wave of similar litigation at both federal and state levels. These lawsuits collectively accuse the company of knowingly creating habit-forming features—like incessant notifications and infinite scrolling—that hook children.
In 2023, a coalition of 33 states filed a joint suit against the Menlo Park, California-based giant. That action alleges Meta routinely collected data from children under 13 without parental consent, violating federal law. Massachusetts and other states have pursued separate, additional lawsuits in their own courts focusing on addictive design and other harms to minors.
Critics argue that Meta's actions to safeguard teen mental health and safety are insufficient. A recent report from former employee and whistleblower Arturo Bejar and four nonprofit groups accused Meta of opting for "splashy headlines" about new parental tools rather than taking "real steps" to address core safety concerns. Meta has dismissed this report as a misrepresentation of its ongoing efforts.
