Idaho joins multistate trial against Meta over alleged harms to children

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general are taking Meta to trial over allegations the company designed Facebook and Instagram in ways that encouraged compulsive use among children and teens.

The states allege Meta knowingly designed features intended to keep young users on its platforms longer while misleading parents and the public about potential risks.

“Protecting children in Idaho is one of the most important responsibilities of my office,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Meta deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to addict young, developing minds while misleading parents about the dangers of its platforms. Meta put profits ahead of the well-being of children, and we intend to hold the company fully accountable.” 

The coalition originally filed the lawsuit in October 2023 following a multiyear nationwide investigation.

According to the attorneys general, Meta allegedly designed its platforms to exploit vulnerabilities among younger users and encourage compulsive use. The lawsuit also claims the company knew about potential harms to children and teens but failed to adequately warn users and parents.

The states further allege Meta collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent, in violation of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

Meta has challenged portions of the case in court.

In 2025, a judge rejected the company’s attempt to dismiss key claims involving allegedly addictive platform design and failure to warn users about potential risks.

The company later sought to stop the case from proceeding to trial after another court ruling in June 2026, but both the district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected those requests.

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

The states are asking the court to order Meta to stop practices they allege are unlawful and comply with laws protecting children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.

Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are leading the trial, with support from Idaho and more than two dozen other states.

Meta has not been found liable. The allegations are being litigated in federal court.