Global Scrutiny Intensifies
The trial unfolds as social media companies face mounting pressure from families, school districts and regulators worldwide. Last year, dozens of U.S. states sued Meta, accusing it of misleading the public about the risks of social media and contributing to a youth mental health crisis.
Australia has already enacted a ban on social media use for children under 16, and the United Kingdom signaled in January it may follow suit.
“There is a tipping point when it comes to the harms of social media,” Franks said. “The tech industry has been given deferential treatment — and we’re starting to see that change.”
