Marketplace Tech · Thursday, July 16, 2026
Attorneys General from four states are suing Meta for $1.4 trillion, alleging that the design of Facebook and Instagram intentionally makes young users addicted. This substantial claim is calculated based on the alleged time spent online by young users in those states from 2012 to 2024, and also includes 'disgorgement' of illegal profits. Meta is contesting the sanction, stating it has no precedent in consumer protection enforcement.
“And we learned in some recent filings from Meta that the Attorneys General of these states are basically trying to sue Meta for everything that it's worth. They are seeking damages of $1.4 trillion.”
“So first of all, how are they getting to this $1.4 trillion number? They're suing on behalf of all the young kids of these states for 12 years. So from 2012 to 2024.”
“And there's another thing here called disgorgement. Basically, taking back the illegal profits.”