Meta faces joint trial demand from 29 states over youth addiction

Meta received a formal request from 29 state attorneys general to consolidate their social media addiction lawsuits into a single joint trial to avoid years of repetitive litigation. The coalition argued in a California federal court brief that separating the cases would allow the company to weaponize procedural delays against claims seeking injunctive relief and profit disgorgement. Prosecutors contend a unified bench trial is necessary to address the alleged “nationwide misconduct” of algorithmically targeting youth mental health.