wire / 2026-08-18-e7ea
US states sue Meta over AI-driven features alleged to addict children to Instagram and Facebook
Prosecutors are pitching this as the next tobacco case. The comparison writes itself.
The facts
A coalition of US states has launched a major lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company intentionally designed Instagram and Facebook—using AI-driven features—to create addiction in children, causing mental health harm. Prosecutors seek $200 billion in penalties, comparing the case to historic tobacco industry lawsuits.