A federal court in California is weighing whether to force Meta to remove "addictive" design features from Instagram and Facebook. The request includes eliminating infinite scroll, autoplay videos, Stories, and algorithm-dominated feeds. Meta faces a potential $1.2 trillion penalty that would threaten its advertising model.

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The Big Tobacco Precedent

Kate Winick, a Forrester analyst, compares the trial to 1990s tobacco lawsuits: "Any adverse verdict against Meta would set a massive precedent." The goal is not just to punish the company but to change the cultural message around social media and make products harder for young people to use. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called Meta "first in line" among a series of lawsuits that will also involve YouTube and Snap.

Ecosystem-wide Risks

Even if Meta wins, it is not safe: 25 state lawsuits and thousands of private actions remain pending. Winick predicts platforms like Snap will make "preemptive changes" to align with any court-ordered modifications. The real existential threat, according to the analyst, would come if similar lawsuits were filed by adults alleging the same negative mental health effects.

European Context and Upcoming Regulations

This case fits into a growing regulatory pressure. As reported by AlexTech, the European Union is already preparing a plan to limit minors' access to social media, while France has approved an under-15 ban. The Los Angeles verdict, which already found Meta and YouTube negligent in a similar case in March, could accelerate these regulatory dynamics across the Atlantic.