Meta Faces Trial Over Instagram and Facebook Use by Young People
Listen to the story
Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, is facing a major trial that could change how its platforms work. Thirty US states have sued Meta.
The states argue that Meta must carry out an overhaul of its platforms to better protect young users. An overhaul means making large and important changes.
This lawsuit claims that Instagram and Facebook are not designed safely enough for children and teenagers. The states want the court to force Meta to make changes.
If the states win the case, Meta may need to change how its apps work for younger users. This could affect features, design, and safety rules.
Meta has not been reported to admit any wrongdoing in this summary. However, the trial itself shows how seriously governments are taking concerns about young people's safety online.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are used by millions of young people every day. Any changes ordered by the court could affect how these platforms are used worldwide, not just in the states that filed the lawsuit.
The case is being closely watched by technology companies, parents, and children's safety groups. Many are waiting to see whether Meta will lose the trial and be forced to overhaul its platforms.
Vocabulary10 words
- trial
- a process where a court decides if someone did something wrong
- sued
- took legal action against someone in court
- overhaul
- big changes made to improve something
- lawsuit
- a legal case brought to a court
- platform
- an app or website used by many people
- young user
- a child or teenager who uses a service or app
- safety
- being protected from harm or danger
- feature
- a part of an app that does something special
- court
- a place where legal decisions are made
- force
- to make someone do something they may not want to do
Quiz
Answer key
1. Force Meta to overhaul its platforms for young users 2. Instagram and Facebook 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, is facing a major _____ that could change how its platforms work.
Thirty US states have _____ Meta.
The states argue that Meta must carry out an _____ of its platforms to better protect young users.
This _____ claims that Instagram and Facebook are not designed safely enough for children and teenagers.
The states want the court to _____ Meta to make changes.
If the states win the case, Meta may need to change how its apps work for younger _____.
This could affect features, design, and _____ rules.
Social media _____ like Instagram and Facebook are used by millions of young people every day.
Any changes ordered by the court could affect how these platforms are used _____, not just in the states that filed the lawsuit.
Many are waiting to see whether Meta will lose the trial and be forced to overhaul its _____.
More Technology stories
Next story · Medium
Lula Launches Bid for Fourth Term as President of Brazil