A monumental legal battle has begun in Oakland as Meta is accused by 29 U.S. states of deliberately targeting children on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, fostering addiction and harming mental health. The trial draws crucial comparisons to historical cases against big tobacco, as Meta faces potential liabilities that could reach up to $1.4 trillion. In opening statements, states claimed that Meta hid the truth about the psychological impacts of social media on young users, asserting that the company prioritized profits over child safety. With arguments suggesting that children are especially vulnerable to addiction, the outcome of this trial could significantly reshape the landscape of social media regulation and corporate responsibility.