Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Tennessee accuses Meta of ignoring teen harm research
Tennessee is suing Meta, the company that owns Instagram, saying that Meta knew Instagram was causing problems like depression and eating disorders in teenagers but didn't do enough to stop it.
Meta says it is trying to make Instagram safer and that protecting teens is everyone's responsibility.
The trial is happening in Nashville, and if Meta is found guilty, they might have to pay money and change how Instagram works to be safer for teens.
Tennessee accuses Meta of ignoring internal research showing Instagram's features harm teens' mental health.
Meta argues it is transparent about risks and works to improve safety on its platforms.
The trial focuses on features like autoplay, notifications, and infinite scroll that keep teens engaged.
If found liable, Meta could face financial penalties and court-ordered changes to Instagram.
This is the second state case against Meta to reach a jury, following a $375 million verdict in New Mexico.
- Who
- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti's office vs. Meta Platforms
- What
- Lawsuit alleging Meta ignored internal research on teen harm from Instagram
- When
- Trial began on Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- State court in Nashville, Tennessee
- Why
- Tennessee seeks financial penalties and modifications to Instagram to protect teens' mental health
Tennessee's Perspective
Meta's Defense
Awareness of Harm
Tennessee's Perspective
Meta's internal research showed Instagram's features contribute to teen mental health issues like eating disorders and depression.
Meta's Defense
Meta has been transparent about the risks and works to identify and fix problems on its platforms.
Responsibility for Harm
Tennessee's Perspective
Meta should be held accountable for designing features that promote addiction and harm teens' mental health.
Meta's Defense
Protecting teens online is a shared responsibility, and Meta is doing its part by empowering parents and teachers.
- Plaintiff
- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti's office
- Defendant
- Meta Platforms
- Court Location
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Trial Duration
- Seven weeks
- Key Features Cited
- Autoplay, notifications, infinite scroll
- Potential Outcomes
- Financial penalties and court-ordered modifications to Instagram
- Previous Case
- New Mexico jury found Meta liable and ordered $375 million in penalties