Jury selection commenced on July 20, 2026, in Nashville’s Chancery Court for Davidson County, marking the beginning of a significant trial where Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has brought a civil enforcement action against Meta Platforms. The lawsuit alleges that Instagram was intentionally designed to foster compulsive use among children and teenagers, thereby violating the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. The state contends that Meta knowingly created a product that encourages addictive behavior in minors while misleading the public about its safety. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/meta-faces-tennessee-trial-over-allegations-instagram-was-designed-to-be-addictive-4800307?utm_source=openai))
The complaint, filed in October 2023, asserts that Meta failed to disclose internal research indicating that Instagram use could be harmful to teenagers. The state argues that the company continued to offer features that promote excessive use without adequately warning users about potential risks. ([jurist.org](https://www.jurist.org/news/2026/07/tennessee-takes-meta-to-trial-over-instagram-addiction-allegations/?utm_source=openai))
This trial in Tennessee follows a similar case in New Mexico, where a jury in March 2026 found Meta liable for violating the state’s consumer protection laws. The New Mexico Attorney General’s office accused the company of misleading users about the safety of its platforms and enabling child sexual exploitation. The jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties, marking the first time a state government prevailed at trial against a major social media company over youth safety. ([thestreet.com](https://www.thestreet.com/technology/meta-fined-375-million-in-landmark-child-safety-ruling?utm_source=openai))
In the New Mexico case, the state presented internal Meta documents and testimony from former employees, law enforcement officials, and educators. The evidence suggested that Meta’s design choices intentionally engaged young users and exposed them to harmful content, including material promoting self-harm and eating disorders. ([legalclarity.org](https://legalclarity.org/meta-facebook-instagram-regulation-and-lawsuit-updates/?utm_source=openai))
As the Tennessee trial progresses, it is expected to last six to seven weeks. The outcome could have significant implications for Meta and other social media companies, potentially influencing how platforms are designed and the measures taken to protect young users. ([sofx.com](https://www.sofx.com/meta-faces-tennessee-trial-over-alleged-instagram-teen-addiction/?utm_source=openai))
Meta has stated that it works hard to keep people safe on its platforms and is clear about the challenges of identifying and removing harmful content. The company has indicated plans to appeal the New Mexico verdict and is likely to defend its practices vigorously in the Tennessee case. ([pymnts.com](https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/new-mexico-jury-orders-meta-to-pay-375-million-in-consumer-protection-case/?utm_source=openai))
The Tennessee trial represents a growing trend of legal actions aimed at holding social media companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on young users. The outcomes of these cases may lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes in the tech industry.